The Nigerian government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), including the Niger State Commandant, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal artisanal miners in their custody. The incident occurred on September 17 at the NSCDC state command in Minna, Niger State. According to reports, the 37 detainees were among 66 suspected miners arrested during raids conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday in parts of the state.
Survivors have given conflicting accounts of the circumstances surrounding the deaths. One survivor, Dauda Shehu, alleged that the detainees experienced severe breathing difficulties due to the heat and lack of ventilation in the facility. He claimed that despite their pleas for help, assistance did not arrive until the following morning, resulting in multiple deaths.
Another survivor, Sadiq Sani, provided a different account, alleging that a guard sprayed a scented substance into the facility, leading to breathing difficulties among the detainees. A third survivor claimed that some detainees died from dehydration due to insufficient water. These varying accounts have heightened concerns and calls for an independent investigation into the incident.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, acknowledged the conflicting accounts and stated that one report suggested the victims had foam around their mouths and blisters on their bodies, possibly indicating exposure to chemicals associated with mining activities. The uncertainty surrounding the cause of deaths has sparked renewed calls for stronger government oversight and strict enforcement of mining safety regulations.
The incident has also raised fresh safety concerns, particularly in the wake of recent mining disasters in Kogi and Taraba states. On July 14, a mining pit collapsed in Kogi, killing several persons, while another incident occurred in Taraba on September 17, resulting in multiple fatalities. These incidents have highlighted the need for improved measures to protect miners and residents of communities where mining activities take place.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough and independent investigation into the deaths, stressing that suspensions alone are insufficient to address the incident. Atiku emphasized that the country deserves the truth, accountability, and justice, and urged the Federal Government to explain the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident, with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announcing the measures following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
Key points
- Federal Government suspends 20 NSCDC officers pending investigation into detainees' deaths.
- Conflicting accounts emerge from survivors regarding cause of detainees' deaths.
- Incident sparks renewed calls for stronger government oversight and improved mining safety regulations.
