Survivors of the Niger miners’ deaths have recounted the terrifying moments they struggled to breathe inside a detention facility in Minna.
The survivors said the suspected illegal miners were packed into cells with limited ventilation before dozens of detainees died.
At least 37 suspected illegal gold miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The deaths occurred in Minna, the Niger State capital, and triggered protests and unrest across parts of the city.
The Federal Government has suspended the NSCDC state commandant and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
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Survivor Describes Struggle for Fresh Air
One survivor, Dauda Shehu, said the detainees were packed tightly inside the cell.
He told journalists at a hospital that there was inadequate ventilation inside the facility.
According to Shehu, the situation suddenly became difficult when people began struggling to breathe.
He said detainees moved around the cell searching for places where they could get fresh air.
The survivor also claimed that detainees repeatedly called for help.
He said they banged on the cell door and appealed to the guards.
However, according to his account, their calls did not receive a response.
Shehu said detainees raised the alarm after some people began collapsing.
He alleged that they repeatedly warned that people were dying from suffocation.
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Another Survivor Says He Escaped Death
Another survivor, who requested anonymity, also described the conditions inside the detention facility.
He said he survived because he was positioned close to the entrance of the cell.
According to him, the location gave him better access to air.
He said detainees screamed for help as the situation worsened.
The survivor also claimed that they informed guards that people were dying inside the cell.
He said the detainees continued calling for assistance but received no immediate response.
The accounts have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the Niger miners’ deaths.
Authorities have yet to complete the investigation into what happened inside the facility.
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Investigation Ordered Into Miners’ Deaths
The Federal Government has ordered a full investigation into the deaths.
The Interior Ministry also announced the suspension of Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the NSCDC commandant in Niger State.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the investigation would examine what happened under the commandant’s watch.
The minister said the suspended commandant would remain out of duty while the investigation continues.
The NSCDC is a paramilitary organisation that works alongside the police in maintaining internal security and enforcing relevant laws.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths are expected to form part of the investigation.
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Overcrowding and Ventilation Become Key Questions
An intelligence report cited in the supplied report suggested that overcrowding and poor ventilation may have contributed to the deaths.
However, the report said the civil defence authorities initially attributed the deaths to disease.
The competing explanations have increased attention on the conditions inside the detention facility.
The survivors’ accounts have also placed the issue of ventilation at the centre of the incident.
Shehu and the other survivor both described difficulties breathing inside the cell.
The investigation will be expected to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths.
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Minna Protests Followed the Deaths
The deaths triggered anger and protests in Minna.
Crowds reportedly blocked a major road in the city following the incident.
Some protesters also attacked a transport depot during the unrest.
Police moved to disperse the crowds as tensions rose.
It was not immediately clear whether officers used anti-riot pellets or live ammunition during the confrontation.
The unrest prompted Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to announce a nighttime curfew in Minna.
The measure was introduced to help contain the situation and prevent further disturbances.
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Niger State Has Significant Gold Deposits
Niger State has substantial mineral resources and attracts many artisanal miners.
The miners are often drawn by the possibility of finding gold in areas where mining activities take place.
However, illegal mining remains a major concern in the state.
The scramble for gold has also been linked by officials and experts to security challenges in some mining communities.
Criminal groups, commonly referred to as bandits, reportedly operate around some mining areas.
The groups are accused of imposing levies on miners operating in areas under their influence.
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Illegal Mining and Security Concerns
Officials and experts have linked illegal gold mining to wider security problems in parts of Niger State.
Criminal groups allegedly demand payments from miners before allowing them to access certain mining sites.
The groups can also take a portion of the gold extracted from the mines.
These activities have complicated efforts to regulate mining operations across the state.
The latest deaths have now added concerns about how authorities handle suspected illegal miners after arrest.
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37 Suspected Miners Died in Custody
The incident involved 37 suspected illegal gold miners who were being held by the NSCDC.
The deaths occurred while the detainees remained in custody.
Survivors have alleged that overcrowding and poor ventilation caused people to struggle for air.
The authorities initially offered a different explanation, according to the supplied report.
With the Federal Government now investigating, the circumstances surrounding each death remain subject to official findings.
The suspension of the Niger State NSCDC commander has also placed the facility’s management under scrutiny.
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Government Moves to Contain Minna Unrest
Governor Bago introduced a nighttime curfew after the protests.
The decision came as authorities sought to restore calm in the state capital.
Police also intervened when protesters blocked roads and attacked property.
The situation remained tense following the deaths.
The government response now includes both security measures and an investigation into the detention facility.
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Questions Over Treatment of Suspected Illegal Miners
The Niger miners’ deaths have also raised broader questions about the treatment of people detained during operations against illegal mining.
Authorities regularly conduct operations against unlicensed mining activities.
However, people taken into custody remain under the responsibility of the detaining authority.
The survivors’ accounts have therefore increased calls for clarity about what happened inside the facility.
The ongoing investigation is expected to determine whether overcrowding, ventilation, medical response or other factors contributed to the deaths.
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Video Circulates Online
A 40-second video circulated online after the incident.
The footage reportedly showed the bodies of dozens of young men lying outside the detention facility.
Most of the victims appeared to be wearing only shorts.
The identities and circumstances of the victims remain matters for the ongoing investigation.
The video added to public concern as news of the deaths spread across Minna.
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Civil Defence Commandant Suspended
The Interior Ministry confirmed the suspension of Aniviye following the deaths.
Tunji-Ojo said the commandant would remain suspended while authorities investigate the incident.
The minister also indicated that officials found responsible could face prosecution.
The Federal Government’s response followed public anger over the deaths and the subsequent unrest in Minna.
Authorities are expected to establish what happened before, during and after the detainees experienced breathing difficulties.
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Niger Mining Communities Face Multiple Challenges
Mining remains an important economic activity in Niger State.
The state’s mineral resources continue to attract artisanal miners searching for gold.
However, unregulated mining can expose workers to serious risks.
Mining communities can also face security challenges where criminal groups control access to mining sites.
Officials have continued to deal with the wider problems associated with illegal mining.
The deaths in NSCDC custody have now brought detention conditions into focus.
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Investigation to Establish Cause of Death
The Federal Government’s investigation is expected to provide answers about the incident.
It will also determine whether the conditions described by survivors contributed to the deaths.
The accounts from Shehu and another survivor have provided details about what happened inside the cell.
However, the final cause of death will depend on the findings of the official investigation.
The government has not concluded publicly that suffocation caused all 37 deaths.
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Public Anger Continues After Incident
The deaths have generated anger in Minna, where residents took to the streets.
The subsequent unrest forced authorities to impose a nighttime curfew.
Police also moved to control crowds and reopen affected areas.
Meanwhile, the suspension of the NSCDC commander signals the government’s decision to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The outcome of the probe could determine further actions against officials found responsible.
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Conclusion
The Niger miners’ deaths have raised serious questions after 37 suspected illegal gold miners died while in NSCDC custody.
Survivors said overcrowding and poor ventilation left detainees struggling to breathe.
They also claimed that repeated pleas for help went unanswered as people began collapsing.
The civil defence authorities initially attributed the deaths to disease, while an intelligence report cited in the supplied report pointed to overcrowding and poor ventilation.
The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State NSCDC commander and ordered a full investigation.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has also imposed a nighttime curfew in Minna following protests over the deaths.
The investigation is expected to establish what happened inside the detention facility and determine responsibility for the tragedy.
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