37 Miners’ Deaths Spark Protests in Niger

 

Security forces on Friday fired tear gas and live ammunition as protesters took to the streets of Minna, Niger State, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.

The victims were among dozens of people arrested earlier in the week during raids on suspected illegal mining sites by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The deaths, which were reported on Thursday, triggered anger among relatives, miners and residents who demanded an investigation into what happened inside the NSCDC detention facilities.

While the NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, some survivors reportedly gave a different account, alleging that detainees died from suffocation. The conflicting accounts have heightened public concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

The Federal Government has suspended the NSCDC commandant in Niger State and ordered a full investigation into the deaths.

The protests later became tense as security personnel moved to disperse demonstrators. Reuters reported that some protesters attempted to attack or set fire to government buildings, while security forces responded with force. 

The incident has also renewed concerns over illegal mining in Nigeria, an activity authorities have linked to environmental damage, loss of government revenue and, in some areas, the activities of armed groups