Residents of Minna, the Niger State capital, have taken to the streets to demand justice over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Gatekeepers News reports that the protests began on Thursday night and continued on Friday in parts of the city, including Tunga, Maitumbi and Bosso Road. Demonstrators were heard chanting “Justice must be done” as anger grew over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The protesters reportedly damaged some government property and vehicles, while some campaign posters were also destroyed during the unrest. Videos reviewed by TheCable also showed security personnel firing what appeared to be live ammunition at protesters, although the circumstances surrounding the shooting were not immediately established.
The protests followed the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested by NSCDC operatives during enforcement operations in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The NSCDC initially said the detainees died following a suspected disease outbreak, adding that their remains were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination.
The official account has been challenged by relatives and survivors, who alleged that the detainees were kept in an overcrowded cell. One survivor told TheCable that 65 people were crammed into a single cell before a substance was allegedly sprayed inside and the door locked. Thirty-seven detainees subsequently died.
Relatives of the deceased also accused NSCDC personnel of failing to respond adequately after some detainees reportedly became critically ill. Ibrahim Muhammad, whose brother died in custody, called on the government to ensure justice for the victims and release their remains to their families for burial.
The unrest prompted authorities to deploy security personnel across Minna. The Niger State Government also imposed a curfew following the protests, while authorities appealed for calm.
The Federal Government has ordered an investigation into the deaths. President Bola Tinubu directed that the probe be full, transparent and unhindered, covering the arrests, conditions of detention, medical attention provided to the detainees and the circumstances leading to their deaths. He said any official found responsible through abuse, negligence or other unlawful conduct should face prosecution.
The NSCDC has also suspended the Niger State commandant pending the investigation and constituted an investigative team to determine what happened. The corps said claims about a specific cause of death remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
The investigation is expected to establish the cause of the deaths and determine whether any officials or other individuals should be held responsible.
