Nigeria forces open fire at protest over deaths of detained miners
Hundreds of people took to the streets to protest against the deaths of 37 detainees.
On Friday, Nigerian security forces opened fire on protesters in Minna, central Nigeria, who were demonstrating against the deaths of 37 detainees held by the paramilitary Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The victims were discovered dead on Thursday in the detention cells of the NSCDC, following raids on suspected illegal gold mines in Minna, the capital of Niger State.
The government has pledged an investigation into the incident and suspended senior officials, but tensions escalated into clashes overnight and into Friday.
Reuters witnessed security forces firing live ammunition at protesters, some of whom carried sticks, machetes, and traditional hunting rifles, demanding justice. Some protesters attempted to set fire to government buildings in Tunga neighborhood. Yusuf Auwal, a miner present at the protest, told Reuters, "We are not thieves – we are simply seeking a way to make a living by mining."
At least one body lay on the streets, and soldiers and police officers patrolled Minna to restore order. The NSCDC stated that the detainees were held during raids on suspected illegal mines on September 15-16 in Wushishi-Lukoto area west of Minna. Initially, the NSCDC suggested a possible disease outbreak as the cause of death, but later stated the cause remains undetermined and will be determined through medical examinations.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of the NSCDC commandant in Niger State, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full investigation. "It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended," the Interior Ministry said.
The victims were buried on Thursday, following Islamic tradition, raising concerns about the possibility of further forensic examinations to determine the cause of death. Yusuf's mother, Shafa’atu Suleiman, visited her son in detention on Thursday and found him in a cramped NSCDC cell before learning of his death. She accused officials of refusing to allow relatives to bring food or freeing detainees and demanded 100,000 naira ($75) for their release. "This is injustice. We will not forgive them," she said.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
