Nigerian police have opened an investigation after 37 people detained on suspicion of illegal mining died in Niger state, the BBC reports. The deaths occurred in a facility operated by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Accounts of the cause differ. The agency initially referred to a possible disease outbreak, while relatives and a report cited by AFP raised concerns about ventilation and overcrowding. The agency subsequently said medical testing was needed before any cause could be confirmed.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced three days of mourning. Post-mortem examinations are expected to inform the inquiry.
