Death symbol
A survivor claimed they sprayed them with something he could not readily identify, adding that the substance was harsh to their nose and eyes.
More details have emerged on the likely cause of the death of 37 artisanal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger state.
A survivor claimed they sprayed them with something he could not readily identify, adding that the substance was harsh to their nose and eyes.
Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, also provided more clarity when he said there was blood, “foam’ (froth) in the mouths of the deceased. This could either mean they died of toxic substance inhalation which caused choking and eventual suffocation.
“There were burns on the bodies of some. We really don’t know what happened but investigation will unravel the truth,” the governor as he urged those raging on the streets to retreat and allow security agents to do their work.
The governor said that forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted to establish the scientific cause of the deaths. He also ordered the suspension of all mining activities, both legal and illegal, in the state.
Niger state youths angered by the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners took to the streets and barricaded major roads in protest.
Security agents however pushed the protesters back using tear gas to disperse them. They also shot into the air to disperse the crowd.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has ordered inquest into the incident urging effective arrest and prosecution of anybody found culpable in the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners.
Human rights organisation, Global Rights, has also demanded a probe into the alleged use of live ammunition by security forces to quell the riot in Minna.
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunju Disu has described the incident as unfortunate, saying the probe will be transparent and that government will ensure that the truth is unearthed.
