Niger State miner's death linked to substance sprayed in cell

A surviving suspected illegal miner detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State alleged that a substance resembling perfume was sprayed inside an overcrowded cell, resulting in the deaths of 37 detainees. The survivor recounted that 17 detainees were initially in the cell, but more were added despite complaints about the heat and lack of space.

He stated that as officers prepared to lock the room, they sprayed a substance that caused distress among the detainees, leading to several individuals collapsing. The detainees requested water but were denied.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago confirmed that 67 miners were detained before the deaths occurred, which the NSCDC initially attributed to a suspected disease outbreak. Investigations are ongoing, focusing on potential suffocation from overcrowding and exposure to hazardous substances.

The Federal Government has mandated a full investigation, and NSCDC commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye has been suspended pending the outcome.