A federal government-appointed investigative committee has found that 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, died from asphyxiation.
Asphyxiation occurs when the body is deprived of sufficient oxygen, potentially resulting in unconsciousness, organ damage or death.
The findings were made by a 10-member independent committee established by the Federal Government to investigate the deaths, which occurred while the suspects were in NSCDC custody.
The committee was tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determining their cause.
The findings raise serious questions about the circumstances in which the 37 suspects died while in the custody of a federal security agency.
However, further details about the committee’s investigation, including the specific circumstances that led to the miners’ deaths and whether any officials would face disciplinary or legal action, were not provided in the available report.
The NSCDC is responsible for enforcing laws within its mandate, including tackling illegal mining activities in collaboration with relevant authorities.
The committee’s findings are expected to be central to any further investigation into the incident and possible accountability measures.
