**Nigerian Police Investigate Deaths of 37 Illegal Mining Suspects in Custody**
Niger State, Nigeria - The Nigerian police have initiated an investigation into the deaths of 37 individuals who were in custody following their arrest for illegal mining activities. This tragic incident has raised serious concerns regarding the conditions within detention facilities in the region.
The arrests occurred during a crackdown on illegal mining operations in north-central Nigeria, specifically targeting small-scale gold mining activities. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the head of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, confirmed that the suspects were apprehended during operations conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Authorities have linked the deaths to an outbreak of disease, although details regarding the specific illness have not been disclosed. Aniviye stated that the bodies of the deceased have been sent for further medical examination to determine the exact cause of death. However, reports from the AFP news agency suggest that overcrowding and inadequate ventilation in the NSCDC detention facility may have contributed significantly to the fatalities.
Survivor Dauda Shehu provided a harrowing account of the conditions inside the cell where the detainees were held. He reported that approximately 65 individuals were crammed into a poorly ventilated space, leading to suffocation. "We were jam-packed and there was no ventilation for us to breathe well," Shehu recounted. He described a desperate scene as detainees struggled to access fresh air, banging on the cell door in an attempt to alert the guards.
In response to the incident, Niger State Governor Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his sorrow over the deaths, labeling them as “sad and tragic.” He announced a three-day mourning period for the victims. The local community has reacted strongly, with protests erupting on Thursday evening. Reports indicate that police responded to the unrest by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds.
In the wake of the incident, NSCDC commander Aniviye has reportedly been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. Authorities are urging relatives of the deceased to come forward with any information that could assist in the inquiry.
The situation highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of detainees in Nigeria, particularly in relation to overcrowding and inadequate conditions within detention facilities. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what measures will be implemented to address these critical issues and prevent similar tragedies in the future.