37 suspected illegal miners died in Nigerian custody as officials initially blamed a disease outbreak, but survivors and an intelligence report suggest overcrowding and poor ventilation may have caused the deaths.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago confirmed 37 deaths after detainees were held in a poorly ventilated cell, with survivors describing a panic and struggle to breathe. The NSCDC commandant was suspended pending investigation, and the governor declared three days of mourning and postponed elections.
The deaths highlight ongoing issues in Niger State, where illegal mining fuels violence by criminal gangs. Officials say the miners were arrested over suspected illegal mining activities, and the deaths underscore the need for better oversight and conditions in custody facilities.
Survivors and an intelligence report suggest the deaths may have been caused by suffocation due to overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, contradicting the initial disease outbreak theory. The incident has sparked protests and calls for justice, with victims' families demanding accountability and improved conditions for miners.