Residents of Minna, the Niger State capital, took to the streets Thursday night after 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The NSCDC said the suspects were arrested during raids on suspected illegal gold mines in the Wushishi-Lukoto area, west of Minna, between Sept. 15 and 16.
The agency initially suggested that a suspected disease outbreak may have been linked to the deaths, but later said the cause had not been established and would be determined through medical examinations.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full investigation.
The Interior Ministry described the incident as unfortunate and said a full investigation would be conducted.
The deaths triggered protests in Minna on Thursday night, with residents saying youths chanted, “Justice must be done.” Some vehicles were also damaged during the protests.
The city was calm by Friday morning, although security forces had been heavily deployed in parts of Minna.
Tunji-Ojo arrived in Minna on Friday and met with Niger State Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House.
The minister said the deaths would not be swept under the carpet and vowed that the government would investigate the incident.
“I want to assure you, as government, that this will not slide,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He is also expected to visit the facility where the deceased were detained.
The incident comes amid continued efforts by Nigerian authorities to curb illegal mining across the country. Authorities say illegal mining damages the environment and deprives government of revenue.
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