Investigative Chair Kure Reveals Evidence Washed Away in Miner Deaths

Jonathan Kure, the chairman of the investigative committee probing the deaths of 33 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, disclosed that the incident scene was washed before medical investigators could examine it. This occurred after the miners were detained during an operation on September 15 and 16, 2026.

Kure explained that the medical team needed evidence from the scene for autopsies and toxicology tests. He noted that the bodies had bloodstains and some victims had vomited before dying.

On September 17, when the cell was opened, 33 of the 50 men detained were found dead, while 17 survived. The cell guard had allegedly received orders not to open the cell despite the detainees' pleas for water.

The investigative committee is examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the evidence available to determine the cause of this tragedy.