At least 37 artisanal miners, including teenagers, died while in custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, according to a report by the Daily Trust.
The deaths occurred during the miners’ detention in the city of Minna, a location in Niger State where the NSCDC is responsible for maintaining public order and security. The incident has drawn attention to the conditions under which artisanal miners are held by security forces.
Artisanal mining is a widespread activity in Nigeria, often carried out by small groups of workers who operate in informal or unregulated settings. The loss of 37 individuals, many of whom were teenagers, highlights the risks associated with the sector and the potential for human rights concerns when miners are detained.
Details of the circumstances leading to the deaths, the cause of death, or any investigation into the incident have not yet been released by authorities. The Daily Trust has reported the figures but has not provided further information on the response from the NSCDC or local government.
<small>Source: AllAfrica — read the original story there.</small>
