37 suspected illegal miners die in custody in central Nigeria
Nigerian authorities launched an investigation Thursday after 37 suspected illegal miners died in a civil defence detention facility in central Niger state, with conflicting accounts blaming either a disease outbreak or overcrowding and poor ventilation.
Thirty-seven suspected illegal miners passed away in custody in Niger state, Nigeria, according to reports from the civil defence corps. The governor of Niger state, Mohammed Umaru Bago, expressed his grief at a news conference, announcing a committee of inquiry into the tragic incident. The civil defence initially suspected disease as the cause of death, but an intelligence report suggests overcrowding and poor ventilation were the primary factors.
The central Nigerian state is known for its rich mineral deposits, attracting thousands of artisanal miners seeking to strike gold. The incident has sparked protests and mourning, with the governor declaring three days of mourning and postponing electoral campaigning.
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