Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in government custody in Niger State.
The deaths have triggered protests in Minna, the state capital, as families and residents demand answers over what happened inside the detention facility.
The federal government has also suspended the Niger State commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) while investigations continue.
Survivors describe overcrowded conditions
Survivors have raised concerns about conditions inside the detention facility.
Dauda Shehu told journalists that detainees had been packed into a cell with poor ventilation and struggled to breathe.
Another survivor said detainees called for help as conditions inside the cell deteriorated.
Their accounts have raised questions over whether overcrowding and inadequate ventilation contributed to the deaths.
However, authorities have not yet established the official cause of death.
The NSCDC initially cited a suspected disease outbreak. Medical examinations and investigations are expected to determine what happened.
Tinubu orders transparent investigation
Tinubu ordered authorities to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident.
The presidency said the inquiry should examine the circumstances of the arrests, conditions inside the detention facility, the number of people held there and the medical attention provided.
Tinubu said being suspected of illegal mining did not remove the detainees’ rights to life, dignity and humane treatment.
He also said officials found responsible through negligence or abuse should face legal consequences.
Protests erupt in Minna
Anger over the deaths has also spilled onto the streets of Minna.
Police moved to disperse protesters after crowds gathered over the incident. Authorities later imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew following unrest in parts of the city.
The deaths occurred after the detainees were arrested during operations targeting suspected illegal mining.
Investigations are continuing to determine the circumstances and exact cause of the 37 deaths.