Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has called for calm and urged the public to await the outcome of ongoing investigations into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The deaths have sparked tension in Minna, the Niger State capital, with protests reportedly breaking out as angry youths took to the streets and barricaded some major roads.
According to reports by Vanguard, Governor Bago said the circumstances surrounding the deaths remained unclear, stressing that investigators were examining several possible causes, including poisoning and suffocation.
Bago: Cause of Death Yet to Be Established
Speaking on the incident, Bago said preliminary observations from the bodies had raised questions about what may have caused the deaths.
The governor said some of the deceased were reportedly found with blood or foam around their mouths, while burns were also observed on some of the bodies.
“We just woke up to the news of the death, we don’t know what happened. Some of the victims were found with foam or blood in their mouths, which could be poisoning or suffocation. We are not sure.
“There were burns on the bodies of some. We really don’t know what happened, but the investigation will unravel the truth.”
Bago explained that investigators were considering several possibilities, including overcrowding at the detention facility and possible exposure to hazardous substances linked to illegal mining activities.
He disclosed that samples had been collected for laboratory analysis, while medical examinations, forensic investigations and autopsies were being conducted to determine the scientific cause of the deaths.
Protests Erupt in Minna
The deaths triggered demonstrations in Minna on Friday, as youths reportedly took to the streets and blocked some major roads in the state capital.
Security personnel were reportedly deployed to disperse the protesters, with tear gas said to have been used during the unrest. There were also reports alleging that live ammunition was fired.
Amid the growing tension, Governor Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew in parts of Minna. The restriction took effect immediately after Friday prayers.
The governor subsequently appealed to residents to remain calm and allow the various investigations to establish what happened.
Niger State Suspends Mining Activities
Following the incident, Bago announced the suspension of mining activities across Niger State.
The governor expressed concern over the growing involvement of young people in illegal mining, lamenting that some youths were abandoning education and vocational training for mining activities.
He also ordered the closure of the mining site in the M.I. Wushishi area, saying the operation was allegedly being conducted without adequate technology and safety equipment.
According to Bago, authorities must determine exactly what happened at the site while ensuring that any future mining operations comply with established safety requirements.
Police, DSS and NSCDC Investigations Underway
Bago said multiple security agencies had commenced investigations into the deaths.
According to the governor, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services are separately investigating the incident.
He added that committees established by the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS would work alongside a panel constituted by the Niger State Government.
The governor maintained that the ongoing laboratory tests, autopsies and forensic examinations would be critical to establishing the actual cause of the deaths.
Until the investigations are concluded, authorities have urged residents to avoid speculation and allow the relevant agencies to establish the facts surrounding the deaths.