Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has disclosed fresh details about the deaths of 37 suspected miners who died while in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state.
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Bago, while addressing journalists on Friday, said some of the victims were found with blood and foam around their mouths, raising concerns about possible poisoning or suffocation.
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The governor also disclosed that burns were observed on the bodies of some of the deceased, adding that investigations were still ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to him, authorities were considering several possible causes, including suffocation caused by overcrowding in the detention facility and exposure to dangerous chemicals linked to illegal mining activities.
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Bago said samples had been collected from some of the victims before their burial to assist investigators in determining what caused their deaths.
He said the state government did not yet have a definite explanation for the incident, stressing that the ongoing investigation would provide clearer answers.
The deaths had earlier triggered protests by youths in parts of Niger State, leading to unrest and concerns over a possible breakdown of law and order.
In response, the state government imposed a 24-hour curfew across Minna after Friday prayers. Security agencies were directed to enforce the restriction and maintain peace in the state capital.
The governor’s latest disclosure comes as authorities continue efforts to establish what happened to the miners while they were in NSCDC custody and address concerns arising from the incident.
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