An investigation in Nigeria has confirmed that 33 suspected illegal gold miners died after being held in an overcrowded detention cell, with authorities describing their treatment as cruel and inhuman.
The victims were arrested in September by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, central Nigeria.
Investigators found that poor ventilation, extreme heat and overcrowding caused the deaths.
Among those who died were 14 minors.
Investigation reveals cause of miners’ deaths
The miners were detained in Minna, the capital of Niger State, after being arrested on suspicion of illegal gold mining.
According to an investigative report presented to the state government on Tuesday, the detainees were placed inside a severely overcrowded cell.
Medical and forensic findings showed that the victims died from environmental asphyxia and acute respiratory failure.
Investigators linked the deaths to prolonged confinement in a poorly ventilated space, aggravated by heat stress and dehydration.
Jonathan Kure, who led the investigating committee, said the conditions amounted to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
The findings have raised serious concerns about detention practices and the treatment of suspects in Nigerian custody.
Survivors describe desperate conditions
Survivors provided disturbing accounts of their experience inside the detention facility.
They described being packed into a small cell with inadequate ventilation.
Some also alleged that a substance irritating their throats and noses was sprayed into the room before the door was shut.
As conditions deteriorated, detainees reportedly screamed for help and repeatedly banged on the door.
However, survivors said guards did not respond to their calls.
The investigation concluded that the detention conditions contributed directly to the deaths.
The report did not establish whether the alleged substance played a role in the fatalities.
Fourteen minors among 33 confirmed deaths
Authorities initially reported that 37 people had died following the incident.
However, the investigating committee confirmed 33 deaths after reviewing available records and identifying victims.
Kure explained that the higher figures could not be reconciled with the evidence collected.
The committee also established that 14 of those who died were minors.
Their deaths have intensified concerns about the treatment of young detainees and the safeguards available to people held by security agencies.
The victims had been arrested on suspicion of illegal mining. The report did not establish that they had been convicted of any offence.
Detention conditions raise human rights concerns
The findings have renewed attention on conditions inside detention facilities in Nigeria.
Overcrowding, inadequate ventilation and limited access to basic necessities can create life-threatening conditions, particularly when large numbers of detainees are confined in small spaces.
In this case, investigators concluded that the conditions inside the cell were severe enough to cause fatal respiratory failure.
The committee’s description of the treatment as cruel, inhuman and degrading underscores the seriousness of its findings.
According to Africanews and the Associated Press, the investigation was presented to Niger State authorities on Tuesday.
However, the report did not specify whether criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings would follow.
Calls for accountability after detention deaths
The investigation has established the circumstances surrounding the deaths, but questions remain about responsibility.
These include why so many detainees were placed in one cell and why guards allegedly failed to respond to calls for help.
The findings could increase pressure on authorities to examine detention procedures and prevent similar incidents.
For the families of the 33 victims, including 14 children, the investigation provides an official account of what happened.
Whether it leads to accountability remains to be seen.