Thirty-seven people accused of illegal mining in north-central Nigeria have died in custody, according to local officials.
Police are investigating the deaths, which the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attributed to an apparent disease outbreak. However, an intelligence report shared with AFP suggested the deaths resulted from overcrowding and poor ventilation at the detention facility in Niger state.
The father of one detainee, Abdullahi Dalhatu, said his son survived due to proximity to a small window, while others suffocated in the cell. Dalhatu recounted how many detainees began collapsing in the heat, with others knocking frantically for help to no avail.
Following news of the deaths, angry miners and relatives attacked public institutions and buses with stones and sticks, prompting police to disperse the crowd with tear gas. A 24-hour curfew has been imposed in the city.
State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the deaths as “sad and tragic” at a press conference on Thursday. He confirmed the detention of an NSCDC commander and announced three days of mourning, delaying election campaigning set for January.
