A survivor from a Nigerian prison cell has recounted his panic and struggle for breath, after 37 suspected illegal goldminers died while in the custody of a paramilitary group. Police fired teargas at people protesting against the deaths earlier this week in Minna, the state capital of Niger state.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a paramilitary group, initially attributed the deaths to a disease outbreak. However, an intelligence report seen by Agence France-Presse indicated that preliminary information suggested overcrowding and inadequate ventilation were responsible.
Dauda Shehu, a survivor, told journalists that detainees were "jam-packed in the cell, no ventilation for us to breathe well." He added that they appealed and banged on the cell door but received no response.
Protests erupted in Minna on Thursday evening and continued on Friday, with dozens of young people, including miners and relatives, gathering near the NSCDC's office. Police cordoned off the area and used teargas to disperse protesters, some of whom were armed with sticks, machetes, and traditional hunting rifles. A Reuters witness observed security forces firing live rounds, and some protesters attempted to set fire to government buildings.
The NSCDC stated that the detainees were held following raids on suspected illegal mines on 15 and 16 September. Nigeria's interior minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the immediate suspension of Niger state’s NSCDC commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full investigation. Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, confirmed the 37 deaths, declared three days of mourning, and announced an inquiry had begun.