Niger State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.
Gatekeepers News reports that the victims were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested during an operation carried out by the NSCDC in Niger State.
The operation reportedly took place between September 15 and 16 at M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto Village, where security operatives arrested several individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities.
The detainees were taken into NSCDC custody following the operation. However, 33 of them were later found dead in their cells in the early hours of Thursday.
The NSCDC said the deaths were suspected to be linked to an outbreak of disease among the detainees. The corpses were subsequently deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the cause of death.
However, reports have emerged suggesting that some of the detainees may have experienced difficulty breathing while in custody. There have also been claims that overcrowding and poor ventilation in the detention facility may have contributed to the deaths.
The exact cause of death has not been officially established, pending the outcome of medical examinations.
The incident has generated concern among relatives and residents, with reports of protests and demands for an explanation over how the detainees died while in custody.
Following the development, Niger State Police Command ordered an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
NSCDC has also appealed for calm, while stressing that the matter would be properly investigated and that the rights of detainees remained important.
The investigation is expected to determine whether the deaths were caused by an infectious disease, conditions within the detention facility or other factors.
