Nigeria miners struggled to breathe in cell before 37 died: survivors

Fri, at least 37 suspected illegal gold miners perished in custody while fighting for breath inside a cramped cell, according to survivors' accounts. Police responded to protests by firing shots in Minna, the capital of Niger state, Nigeria's central region known for its mineral wealth. Tensions boiled over onto the streets, with mobs attacking various establishments, including a transport depot, bank, political party offices, and private businesses.

To quell the unrest, the government implemented a dusk-to-dawn curfew. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough, urgent, and transparent investigation into the incident. Survivors described being stuffed into the cell with no ventilation, desperately seeking fresh air and repeatedly appealing for help. Dauda Shehu, one of the survivors, stated that they were screaming for assistance, yet no one responded.

Another survivor revealed that he survived by being close to the cell entrance where he could breathe better. Video footage showed dozens of young men, mostly teenagers, lying lifeless in the open. Mallam Abdullahi lost his son Salim, the family's main earner, who had gone mining three days prior and never returned. Abdullahi demanded answers and justice, emphasizing that these individuals had a right to life, dignity, and humane treatment.