The Nigeria Police Force has secured the scene where 37 suspected illegal miners died in Niger state while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as investigations into the deaths begin.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu inspected the site Saturday with Niger Gov. Umar Bago and other security officials.
Disu said the scene is being preserved to ensure no evidence is removed, altered or introduced before the investigation is completed.
He also said police and other security agencies have been deployed following demonstrations and riots linked to the deaths.
Bago has imposed a curfew in the affected area, while Disu appealed to residents to remain calm and assured them that the investigation would be transparent.
The deaths followed the arrest of suspected illegal miners at a mining site in Niger state.
Bago said it is too early to determine the cause of the deaths, with overcrowding and possible poisoning among the factors being investigated.
The Niger state government has suspended mining activities across the state, while the Federal Ministry of Mines has assembled scientists and laboratory experts to investigate the incident.
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