FG Panel Links Deaths of 37 Miners to Lack of Oxygen

A federal government panel is looking into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. The panel said the miners died from asphyxiation, meaning they did not get enough oxygen.

Jonathan Kure, who leads the 10-member independent committee, shared this on Tuesday. He presented the panel’s findings to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja, according to TheCable.

Kure explained that the committee went to Minna. They checked the detention center, did autopsies, and talked to NSCDC staff, survivors, family members of the deceased, and other witnesses. They also looked at documents and forensic evidence.

He added that early findings showed problems within the system and that some officers acted too harshly. He emphasized the need for more professionalism when handling suspects in custody.

On September 19, President Bola Tinubu ordered a complete investigation into the deaths. This led to the formation of the committee.

The government also suspended Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Aniviye along with 20 other officers over the incident.

The suspected miners were arrested during operations on September 15 and 16 around the Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, the capital of Niger State.

In an earlier statement, Aniviye said many detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of September 17. He described it as a suspected disease outbreak.

These deaths caused a lot of anger among the public, leading to demands for accountability. The federal government ordered an investigation into what happened during the arrests, the detention, and the deaths.

On October 6, the committee asked for two more weeks to finish their investigation and report. They said they needed to look over more evidence and get forensic and pathology reports.

The suspended commandant shared with the state panel that he heard about the deaths through a phone call. He later found the bodies in the detention facility. His statement was part of the testimony given during the state-level investigation.

The federal panel’s results give an official explanation for the cause of death. However, TheCable’s report did not include details about individual or institutional blame or recommendations for prosecution or disciplinary actions.

The government has not yet revealed what actions it will take based on the panel’s findings.