An investigation in Nigeria has reportedly found that 33 detainees in Niger State died in September from acute respiratory failure linked to overcrowding, poor ventilation, heat and dehydration.
The men had been held on suspicion of illegal mining. Investigators reportedly found that the mining sites in question were licensed. Authorities have pledged legal action.
What the inquiry reportedly found
- Adults and minors were held together, and some detainees were held beyond legal detention limits.
- Officers reportedly ignored calls for help.
- The committee recommended compensation of US$22,285 for each bereaved family and 10 million naira for each survivor.
What was said in September
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) ran the facility in north-central Niger State. The detainees were picked up in an operation against illegal mining on a Tuesday and Wednesday, and the deaths were reported on the Thursday, in the middle of September.
At the time, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the corps' head in Niger State, said a disease outbreak could be responsible, without naming a disease, and that the bodies had been sent to a local hospital for examination. Survivor Dauda Shehu told reporters that 65 people were held in one cell that was overcrowded and poorly ventilated, and that detainees banged on the door to alert guards before they began struggling to breathe.
Niger State police opened an inquiry and asked relatives for information. Analysts link illegal mining in north-central and north-west Nigeria to armed gangs involved in ransom kidnappings.
