Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the deaths of 37 miners held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Many of those who died were reported to be between 14 and 18 years old and had been detained during raids on suspected illegal gold-mining sites.
The deaths triggered protests and clashes in Minna, the capital of Niger State, prompting authorities to impose an overnight curfew.
Security forces used live ammunition during the unrest as demonstrators attempted to attack government buildings, according to reports from the city.
The civil defence agency initially referred to a possible disease outbreak but later said the precise cause of death would depend on medical findings.
Tinubu suspended senior officials, including the agency’s Niger State commandant, while families alleged mistreatment and extortion by authorities.
The investigation will face demands for independence, transparent forensic evidence and accountability for both the deaths in custody and the security response to protesters.
Source: Reuters
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