37 suspected illegal miners die in Nigerian custody as protests erupt. Authorities say the deaths occurred after detainees were arrested for illegal mining in Niger State. The NSCDC, a paramilitary agency, is under investigation following the incident.
The deaths occurred after detainees were arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday for suspected illegal mining near Borgu in Niger State. The NSCDC said the detainees were found dead in custody on Thursday, with the cause of death still under investigation. The agency initially blamed a possible disease outbreak but later said the cause was not confirmed.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago declared three days of mourning and postponed the January elections following the incident. The NSCDC commandant was suspended pending a full investigation. Protests erupted in Minna, with demonstrators demanding justice and accountability.
The deaths have sparked widespread anger, with protesters attacking public institutions and transport buses. Relatives of the detainees reported poor conditions in the custody facility, including overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, which may have contributed to the fatalities.