Nigeria: At least 37 suspected illegal miners die in custody
Dozens of suspects accused of illegal mining were found dead in custody in Nigeria's north-central Niger State. Officials blame disease, while reports cite 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.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- At least 48 dead in Nigeria after consuming drink suspected to contain methanol, police say winnipegfreepress.com
- 37 suspected illegal miners die in custody in Nigeria gulfnews.com
- Nigeria begins trial of five suspected Ansaru members over school kidnapping myjoyonline.com
- Police propose new desk to protect Nigeria’s creative economy premiumtimesng.com
- 37 suspected illegal miners die in custody in central Nigeria france24.com
- At Least 48 Dead in Nigeria after Consuming Drink Suspected to Contain Methanol, Authorities Say japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
- Nigeria: At least 37 suspected illegal miners die in custody dw.com
- Methanol-tainted drink kills at least 48 in Nigeria economictimes.indiatimes.com
