Police Secure Niger State Scene After Miners' Deaths

The Nigeria Police Force has secured the scene in Niger State where 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu announced this on Saturday after inspecting the site with Niger State Governor Umar Bago and other security officials.

Disu emphasized the importance of preserving the scene for investigation, stating that nothing should be removed or added. Following the deaths, which occurred after the arrest of suspected illegal miners, there were demonstrations and riots, prompting Governor Bago to impose a curfew to restore calm.

Bago indicated that preliminary autopsy findings revealed burns, peeling skin, foaming from the mouth, and blood stains on some corpses. The state government has suspended mining activities pending investigations, while the Federal Ministry of Mines has formed a team of scientists to further investigate the incident.