NSCDC's Overcrowded Cell Leads to 33 Miners' Deaths

Jonathan Kure, the Chairman of the Investigative Committee on the deaths of miners in Niger State, disclosed that 50 male miners were crammed into a 12-square-metre cell at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) facility, resulting in 33 fatalities. During an interview on ARISE News, Kure stated that the detainees had pleaded for help, water, and relief from extreme heat but were allegedly denied assistance by the sole guard on duty, who was instructed not to open the cell.

The mass arrests began on September 15, with a total of 75 people detained, including 24 women held in a separate cell. The committee confirmed that the deaths occurred after the cell was opened on October 17, following the initial arrests.

Kure reported that the committee recommended ₦1.4 billion in compensation for the families of the deceased and the 44 survivors.