Curfew imposed in Nigeria’s Niger State after protests over deaths of 37 detained miners

Security forces opened fire and deployed tear gas in Minna, Nigeria, as hundreds of protesters took to the streets for a second day over the deaths of 37 miners who died while detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Some demonstrators attacked government facilities during the unrest, according to reports from the city in Niger State. The authorities imposed a 24-hour curfew, after which the violence subsided, Al Jazeera reporter Ahmed Idris said.

It was not immediately clear whether security personnel used live ammunition or anti-riot pellets. A witness cited by Reuters said bullets had been fired and that the body of one person was lying on the ground.

Investigation into miners’ deaths

The 37 miners were arrested earlier in the week during raids in the Wushishi-Lukoto area, west of Minna, on suspicion of illegal mining. Officials later announced that they had died while in NSCDC custody.

The cause of death has not been established. The NSCDC said further investigations, including medical examinations, would be carried out. An intelligence report seen by AFP suggested that poor ventilation and overcrowding may have contributed, while some protesters told the Associated Press that the miners had suffocated. Those possibilities remain unconfirmed.

Dauda Shehu, a survivor, described the conditions inside the detention cell. “We were jam-packed in the cell, no ventilation for us to breathe well,” he said.

Shehu also said detainees had struggled to find fresh air and had appealed to officers for help. “All of a sudden we realised that we could not breathe and we were all scampering for where to get fresh air,” he said, adding that they banged on the cell door but received no response.

All of the deceased were buried on Thursday evening, leaving uncertainty over whether post-mortem examinations will still be possible.

Buildings damaged as protests spread

Idris reported violent outbreaks in several parts of Niger State, including attacks on government buildings and officials in the state capital. He said a transport agency was targeted and that buses and other vehicles were damaged by protesters angry over what happened at the NSCDC detention centre.

Niger State Governor Umar Bago imposed the curfew as the authorities sought to contain the unrest. The government has promised a full investigation into both the deaths and the events surrounding them.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo suspended the NSCDC commandant in Niger State, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the investigation. The Interior Ministry described the incident as unfortunate and said the commandant would remain suspended while inquiries continued.