Shehu Sani Addresses Niger Miners' Deaths in NSCDC Custody

Senator Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna Central lawmaker, reacted to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. He shared his own experiences of overcrowded detention cells, emphasizing the dangers associated with such conditions.

The miners died after being arrested during operations against illegal mining on September 15 and 16. Survivors reported that 65 detainees were held in a poorly ventilated cell, struggling for air before several succumbed.

While the NSCDC initially suggested a disease outbreak as the cause of death, survivors attributed it to overcrowding, heat, poor ventilation, and dehydration. The Niger State Government has ordered forensic examinations and autopsies, while investigations are ongoing involving the Federal Government, NSCDC, and police.

Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, has been suspended pending the investigation's outcome, and other personnel involved have been detained in Abuja.