At least 37 suspects accused of illegal mining were found dead in custody in Niger State, Nigeria, officials said.
The deaths were discovered at a detention facility in the north‑central state, where the suspects had been held on charges of unlawful mining activities.
Officials blamed disease as the primary cause of the fatalities, while independent reports cited overcrowding and poor ventilation inside the facility as contributing factors.
Illegal mining has long been a problem in Nigeria, prompting the government to intensify enforcement efforts across the country.
The incident has raised concerns about prison conditions and the treatment of detainees in Nigerian detention centres.
<small>Source: AllAfrica Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
