37 suspected illegal miners died in Nigerian custody after being detained for alleged illegal mining activities, according to officials. The incident has raised concerns about overcrowding and inadequate ventilation in the detention facility.
The deaths occurred in Niger State, where detainees were held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) after arrests on Tuesday and Wednesday. Survivors reported that 65 detainees were packed into a poorly ventilated cell, leading to a lack of fresh air and potential suffocation.
Officials have launched an investigation into the incident, with the NSCDC stating that the detainees' bodies were sent to a local hospital for medical examination to determine the cause of death. The deaths have prompted a three-day mourning period and the postponement of the January elections.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in Niger State, where illegal mining activities are linked to criminal gangs and contribute to violence and poverty in the region.