Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has confirmed that 37 miners died after being detained in an overcrowded National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) cell. The incident involved a total of 67 miners who were arrested and held in the facility prior to the deaths.
According to the Governor, the fatalities occurred due to the severe overcrowding within the detention cell. While the specific medical causes of death are not yet fully detailed, authorities have acknowledged the conditions as a primary factor in the tragedy.
Investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths are currently ongoing. The state government has indicated that a thorough review is being conducted to determine the full scope of the incident and to identify any procedural failures that contributed to the loss of life.
The NSCDC is the security agency responsible for maintaining public order and safety in Nigeria. Incidents involving the detention of artisanal miners have drawn attention to the conditions of custody and the handling of large groups of detainees in various parts of the country.
Officials have not yet released a final report on the inquiry, but the acknowledgment by the state leadership marks a significant step in addressing the public outcry over the deaths.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
