Nigerian Police Begin Investigation into the Death of 37 Suspects of Illegal Mining

Nigerian police have begun their investigation into the deaths of 37 individuals suspected of illegal mining who were in custody. These individuals were arrested during operations conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday in Niger State. Local officials have stated that the deaths are related to the outbreak of a disease, but a report from an intelligence source points to overcrowding and poor ventilation in the Nigerian detention facility.

Details of the Deaths and Detention Conditions

Sabiru Siaka Aniwiye, head of the Civil Defense and Security Force in Niger State, stated in a statement that these suspects were being held in a detention facility with a capacity of over 65 people. He also mentioned that the bodies have been sent for further medical examinations to determine the exact cause of death. However, he did not provide further details about the type of disease.

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Daouda Shehu, one of the survivors, told the media: "We were crammed into a cell without proper ventilation, and everyone was struggling to breathe. Suddenly, we realized we couldn't breathe and started running to find fresh air." He also added that the prisoners tried to attract the guards' attention by banging on the cell door.

Reactions and Consequences

Following this incident, Muhammad Umar Bago, the governor of Niger State, announced that a three-day public mourning would be held for the victims and described their deaths as "tragic and sorrowful." Additionally, reports of protests occurred on Thursday, which the police responded to with tear gas. In the wake of these events, the commander of the Civil Defense and Security Force of Nigeria, Sabiru Siaka Aniwiye, has been suspended.

Investigations are currently underway, and officials have asked the families of the victims to provide any information that could help uncover the truth. This incident has drawn attention to the conditions of detention facilities and the treatment of prisoners in Nigeria, leading to increased criticism regarding the poor conditions and violations of human rights in these centers.

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