Protests Erupt In Minna After Detainees Die In NSCDC Custody

Protests Erupt in Minna After Detainees Die in NSCDC Custody

Residents of Minna, the capital of Niger State, took to the streets overnight following the deaths of dozens of people detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC during raids on suspected illegal gold-mining sites. At least 33 detainees were found dead in NSCDC custody on Thursday, according to Reuters, sparking anger and protests in the central Nigerian city. The victims were among people arrested during raids conducted on September 15 and 16 at suspected illegal mining sites in the Wushishi-Lukoto area, west of Minna. Reuters reported that 33 bodies were seen at Minna General Hospital after the detainees were found dead in custody. The NSCDC initially said a suspected disease outbreak could have contributed to the deaths. The agency later said the cause had not been established and would be determined through medical examinations. News of the deaths triggered demonstrations in Minna on Thursday night, with residents reportedly chanting, “Justice must be done. Some protesters damaged vehicles, while security forces were deployed heavily across parts of the city by Friday morning. A Reuters report published Friday said security forces later fired live ammunition during clashes with protesters, while police also used tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye pending an investigation into the deaths. The Federal Government said a full investigation would be conducted to establish what happened to the detainees and determine responsibility. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago also announced three days of mourning for the victims, while the bodies were taken to Minna General Hospital for autopsies.The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation. A surviving detainee told The Associated Press that the suspects had been held in an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell and suggested that suffocation may have occurred. Authorities, however, have not confirmed that account, and medical examinations are expected to establish the cause of death.The incident has renewed concerns over illegal mining and the treatment of suspects held during security operations. Nigerian authorities have long linked unregulated mining to environmental damage, lost government revenue and, in some areas, the financing of criminal and armed groups.