Niger Governor Bago Addresses Miners' Deaths in Custody

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced that the state government was not informed about the arrest and detention of suspected illegal miners who subsequently died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). This statement was made during an interview on Channels Television.

The miners were arrested during operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16.

Out of 67 detained miners, 37 died, prompting public concern and investigations into the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Factors such as overcrowding and potential exposure to hazardous substances are being examined.

Governor Bago indicated that the state government learned of the arrests only after the deaths became public and protests ensued, emphasizing that the security agencies involved were under federal control. He also expressed concern about the shift from farming to mining in local communities, noting the challenges residents face in returning to agriculture.