A federal government investigative committee has identified asphyxiation as the cause of death of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State....
A federal government investigative committee has identified asphyxiation as the cause of death of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Chairman of the 10-member committee, Jonathan Kure, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.
Asphyxiation occurs when the body is deprived of adequate oxygen, potentially resulting in unconsciousness, organ damage or death.
The Federal Government constituted the committee on September 19, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a “full and transparent” investigation into the deaths.
Speaking at a press conference, Kure said the panel visited Minna to inspect the custody facility, conducted autopsies and obtained statements from NSCDC personnel, survivors, relatives of the deceased and other witnesses.
He said the committee also gathered documentary and forensic evidence as part of its investigation.
According to Kure, preliminary findings revealed institutional gaps and overzealousness by some officers, highlighting the need for greater professionalism in handling sensitive cases.
The deaths occurred after the NSCDC arrested suspected illegal miners during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, had said scores of detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following what he described as a suspected disease outbreak.
Following the incident, the Federal Government suspended the state commandant and 20 other officers in connection with the case.
The committee had sought a two-week extension on October 6 to complete and submit its report.
The government is expected to consider the panel’s findings as part of efforts to establish accountability and address the circumstances surrounding the deaths.