37 die in Nigerian detention over illegal mining, cause of deaths disputed
Authorities in north-central Nigeria are investigating the deaths of 37 people held in custody for illegal mining, with officials and other reports disagreeing on the cause.
Authorities in north-central Nigeria have opened an investigation into the deaths of 37 people who died while in custody on suspicion of illegal mining. Officials said the detainees died at a detention facility in Niger state.
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps has suggested the deaths may be linked to a possible disease outbreak at the facility. However, separate reports point to a different explanation, suggesting that overcrowding and poor ventilation inside the detention facility may have contributed to the fatalities.
The discrepancy between the official account and other reports has not yet been resolved, and the investigation into the exact circumstances of the deaths continues. The case was reported on by FRANCE 24 correspondent Sam Olukoya.
