An investigation is underway in Niger State after 37 artisanal and suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody.
Governor Mohammed Bago said 67 miners had been placed in an NSCDC cell after their arrest during operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas.
The arrests took place on September 15 and 16.
The deaths were discovered on September 17.
Officials Yet to Establish Cause
The cause of the deaths remains unclear.
The NSCDC initially linked the incident to a suspected disease outbreak.
However, the Corps later said there was no confirmed cause.
Medical and laboratory tests are now being used to determine what happened.
Overcrowding Among Possibilities
Bago said overcrowding inside the detention facility is one possibility being examined.
He also raised the possibility that some of the miners may have been exposed to dangerous substances at the mining site.
The governor said both possibilities require scientific investigation before any conclusion can be reached.
Investigation Team Deployed
Medical, forensic and biological experts have been sent to the area.
They are collecting samples and conducting examinations that could help determine the cause of death.
Bago also called for autopsies to be completed without delay.
He said experts are examining whether there could have been radiological exposure at the mining site.
Federal Government Takes Action
The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State NSCDC commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.
Authorities have also ordered a full investigation.
The conduct of the officers involved in arresting the miners is expected to be examined as part of the inquiry.
Governor Calls for Mining Safety
Bago said the deaths should not be treated lightly.
He also called for stronger safety practices in artisanal mining.
According to him, miners need proper protective equipment and continuous education about the risks associated with mining.
Authorities are now awaiting the results of autopsies, laboratory tests and forensic examinations.
Those findings are expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 miners.
