Niger miners’ deaths: Police secure scene, begin evidence preservation

The Nigeria Police Force has secured the scene in Niger State where 37 suspected illegal miners lost their lives in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), according to Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu. Disu, along with Niger State Governor Umar Bago and other security officials, inspected the scene on Saturday.

Disu emphasized the necessity of securing and preserving evidence to ensure a thorough investigation. He stated, "We have to keep the place safe, we have to keep it clean, we have to ensure that nothing is removed and nothing is added in the scene of the incident."

Following the deaths, demonstrations and riots erupted in the area, which have since subsided after the governor imposed a curfew. The police and other security agencies have moved around the scene, maintaining order and preserving evidence. The Inspector-General appealed to residents to maintain peace and assured them of a transparent investigation, emphasizing that no relevant information would be concealed.

The incident occurred after the arrest of suspected illegal miners at an illegal mining site. Initial autopsy findings revealed that some corpses had burns, peeling skin, foaming from the mouth, and blood stains. The state government has suspended mining activities in Niger pending the outcome of the investigation. The Federal Ministry of Mines has also formed a team of scientists and laboratory experts to examine the incident.

The governor's decision to impose a curfew followed the violence triggered by the deaths, which led to attacks on public and private property in various parts of the state.