The identities of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have been released.
The victims were among scores of people arrested during anti-illegal mining operations carried out by the NSCDC around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The detainees were taken to Minna, the state capital, where the deaths were reported on September 17.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths have prompted public concern and investigations by the Federal Government, the NSCDC and other authorities. The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, but the exact cause remains under investigation. (Businessday NG)
Reports from survivors have also raised questions about the conditions in which the detainees were held, including allegations of overcrowding and poor ventilation.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers pending the outcome of the probe.
The Federal Government has also constituted an independent committee to investigate the deaths. The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report. (Ministry of Interior)
The NSCDC has also taken 24 personnel into protective custody in connection with the incident, including the suspended Niger State Commandant. They are being investigated over their roles in the detention and deaths of the suspects. (ThisDay Live)
Full list of the 37 deceased miners
The names, as released and reported, are:
- Ibrahim Sani
- Fahad Sa’adu
- Abdulsalam Ismail
- Usman Aliyu
- Abubakar Alhaji
- Sani Nasir
- Sanusi Khalid
- Ahmad Aliyu
- Safiyanu Abdullahi
- Suleiman Dantala
- Idris Haruna
- Sani Yakubu
- Safiyanu Abubakar
- Abdullahi Abubakar
- Abubakar Musa
- Abdul Mudassir
- Suleiman Lawal
- Usman Abdullahi
- Samuel Sambo
- Ibrahim Musa
- Yusuf Nasiru
- Umar Lawal
- Isyaku Amisu
- Bissallah Adamu
- Abdulbari Suleiman
- Shafisu Lado
- Usman Ahmad
- Usman Ibrahim
- Sani Isyaku
- Musa Ibrahim
- Idris Bashir
- Kabiru Suleiman
- Emmanuel Emeka
- Mu’awiya AbdulKarim
- Abdul Gafar Abubakar
- Usman Haruna
- Yaro Salihu Soba
According to the report, the list was provided by the International Human Rights Commission and compared with records from the General Hospital in Minna.
Four names — Mu’awiya AbdulKarim, Abdul Gafar Abubakar, Usman Haruna and Yaro Salihu Soba — were reportedly not found on the General Hospital’s list. (Businessday NG)
Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any individuals or authorities should be held responsible.
