Families of 37 men who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, have demanded justice as an independent panel begins an investigation into the deaths.
The victims were found dead on Thursday inside a crowded holding cell after they were arrested on suspicion of illegal gold mining.
The deaths have sparked outrage in Minna, with survivors alleging that detainees were held in poorly ventilated conditions and that a substance that irritated their throats and noses was sprayed inside the cell before the door was shut.
Some survivors also alleged that their pleas for help were ignored.
The incident triggered protests across Minna, during which government property was reportedly damaged. Police fired shots to disperse protesters, although it was unclear whether anti-riot rounds or live ammunition were used.
Adamu Idris, 27, whose brother was among the deceased, told AFP that he expected the government to ensure justice for the victims.
“I expect the government to give us justice,” he said.
He added, “If the government does not take decisive action, we will continue the protest. They should be ready to continue killing us, and it is better that we all die.”
Musa Aliyu, 52, who lost two sons in the incident, called for a thorough investigation to establish what happened and ensure justice for the victims.
“I want this disaster to be thoroughly investigated to give justice to our children,” he said.
The protests were also marred by reports of injuries. A 24-year-old man, Allamin Adamu, said he was shot while returning from the funeral of one of the miners.
“I heard gunshots. I quickly ducked and next thing I was unconscious, I was shot. I fell into the gutter,” Adamu said from his hospital bed.
President Bola Tinubu on Friday ordered an urgent, full and transparent investigation into the deaths, saying he would not tolerate deaths resulting from official negligence, abuse or dereliction of duty.
The Ministry of Interior subsequently announced the establishment of a 10-member independent panel to investigate the incident.
The panel comprises a retired senior state intelligence officer, a medical expert, a human rights activist and a representative of the miners’ association, among others.
It has been given two weeks to conclude its investigation and submit its report.
Meanwhile, 20 NSCDC officers and guards involved in the arrest and detention of the miners, including their superior, have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Niger State, one of Nigeria’s mineral-rich states, attracts thousands of artisanal miners seeking gold and other mineral resources.
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