Nigerian security forces opened fire and used tear gas during protests in Minna, Niger State, on Friday over the deaths of 37 miners who died in police custody. It was not immediately clear whether live ammunition or anti-riot pellets were used; a witness told Reuters that bullets had been fired and that one body was seen on the ground.
The demonstrations were held for a second day in the mineral-rich city, where hundreds of people gathered. Niger State Governor Umar Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew as the government promised a full investigation.
What is known about the deaths
The miners were arrested earlier in the week during raids in the Wushishi-Lukoto area, west of Minna, on suspicion of illegal mining. Officials announced on Thursday that they had died while being held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, a paramilitary agency.
The agency initially suggested an outbreak of disease may have caused the deaths, but later said the cause had not been confirmed. It said further investigations, including medical examinations, would be conducted. All 37 people were buried on Thursday evening, prompting questions about whether post-mortem examinations will still be possible.
Survivors describe overcrowded cells
An intelligence report seen by AFP suggested that poor ventilation and overcrowding may have contributed to the deaths. Some protesters told the Associated Press that the miners had suffocated.
Dauda Shehu, a survivor speaking at a central Nigerian hospital, said detainees had been packed into a cell without enough ventilation. He said they struggled to breathe, appealed for help and banged on the cell door without receiving a response.
Official response and wider tensions
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s interior minister, suspended Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the NSCDC commandant in Niger State, pending the investigation. The ministry described the incident as unfortunate and said the commander remained suspended while the inquiry proceeded.
Niger State has large mineral deposits, including gold and uranium, and mining is a major part of its economy. Illegal mining is widespread in Nigeria and has been linked to violence among armed groups competing for control of the trade. Read the context: The impact of armed group cooperation on Mali’s conflict and regional security in the Sahel.
What happens next
The government says it will conduct a full investigation, while the NSCDC says further inquiries and medical examinations will be carried out. The 24-hour curfew remains the immediate measure announced by the state governor.
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