37 Nigerian Gold Miners Die in Custody Now

The death of 37 miners suspected of illegal mining activity in Nigeria’s detention center has prompted protests, a government investigation, and calls for accountability in Niger State. They were arrested in raids conducted on September 15 and 16 as part of the crackdown on illegal mining in the Wushishi-Lukoto area. The detainees were later kept at a facility operated by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.

According to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there needs to be a comprehensive investigation into the matter, and those responsible for their deaths should be prosecuted.

How Did People Die in Minna Cells?

While the reason behind the deaths is still under investigation, the reports provided by some of the survivors have posed some concerns regarding the circumstances in which the tragedy took place.

As one of the survivors, Dauda Shehu, revealed to the Associated Press, there were 65 people in an under-ventilated cell who all at once found themselves unable to breathe. They tried to get some air by trying to open the door of the cell.

As another survivor has told Nigerian media, there were initially 17 people kept in a very small room, and when additional detainees arrived inside, an unknown substance was poured on them. It is reported that the heat and under-ventilation of the cell became increasingly hard to bear. However, these are only allegations for now.

NSCDC suggested at first that a suspected outbreak of disease could be the reason for the deaths. Later, the agency stated that the actual cause of the events was not identified yet and medical testing would be required.

Why Were the Miners Arrested?

Those being held had been apprehended during crackdowns of suspected illegal miners in the state of Niger.

These crackdowns have been ongoing in the area of M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto in an effort to control unauthorised mining in the region. According to the governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, most of those who died were young people, with ages ranging from 14 to 18 years old.

Unlawful mining has been a persistent issue in Nigeria. Government authorities claim that it poses a threat to the environment as well as deprives the country of its revenues, and security analysts suggest that some of the illegal miners’ networks are tied to criminal groups that charge taxes for mining or fund their illegal activities through such proceeds.

What Has Tinubu Ordered?

Tinubu ordered an investigation into the circumstances of the arrest, the condition of the detainees upon arrival at the facility, detention conditions, the total number of detainees, healthcare provision, and the circumstances that led to their death.

President also stated that suspension of officials was not enough if there were any criminal acts involved. The officer whose actions led to the deaths should be prosecuted.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has separately vowed to conduct a full inquiry. In addition, the government of Niger State has set up a committee to investigate the circumstances under which the deaths occurred.

National Human Rights Commission has started an investigation and has asked for an independent forensic examination of the bodies.

Protests and Curfew in Minna

These deaths led to demonstrations in Minna, where the protesters demanded an explanation for the deaths. There was confrontation between police and the protesters, and a 24-hour curfew was imposed on some areas in the state capital. Reuters reported that a protester died as a result of the protests. However, details surrounding his death were still under investigation.

These protests have made the situation even more complicated by transforming what started as a detention case into an issue regarding conditions in detention centers.