Niger State has set up a committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were in custody of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The state government also ordered post‑mortem examinations to establish the cause of death.
The 37 detainees were arrested on allegations of illegal mining activities in the region. Their bodies were reportedly found in NSCDC detention facilities, prompting an urgent response from state authorities.
Under the new committee, forensic teams will conduct autopsies and collect evidence to determine whether the deaths were accidental, due to foul play, or a result of inadequate detention conditions.
State officials said the investigation will be thorough and that any findings will be made public once the autopsies are complete. The committee’s mandate is to provide a transparent account of what transpired during the detainees’ custody.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of illegal mining in Niger State, where unregulated operations have long posed safety and environmental risks.
<small>Source: AllAfrica Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
