37 miners die in Nigerian detention

Thirty-seven people arrested for illegal mining in Niger state died in an NSCDC detention facility. Police launched an investigation into the deaths.

Overcrowding blamed for the deaths

An intelligence report suggested the detainees died from overcrowding and poor ventilation, not disease as authorities initially claimed. Survivors described fainting in the heat.

“We believe they suffocated because there was no ventilation.”

Arrest happened near Borgu

Young men were arrested Tuesday near Borgu, a region in Niger state known for small-scale gold mining. Two days later, 37 were found dead in the detention centre.

Families denied information before deaths

Relatives visited the NSCDC office seeking release but were told to return later. The next day they learned their family members had died in custody.

“Unfortunately, the following day we got the news that our children had died.”

Protests erupt after news spreads

Miners and relatives attacked public buildings and buses with stones and sticks after hearing about the deaths. Police dispersed crowds with tear gas and a 24-hour curfew was imposed in Minna.

Disease claim contradicted by evidence

NSCDC initially blamed a diphtheria outbreak, but later said the cause was undetermined. Relatives questioned how disease killed detainees without affecting guards.

Governor declares mourning period

State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago called the deaths tragic and declared three days of mourning. An NSCDC commander was detained following the incident.