Overcrowding and extreme heat caused miners’ deaths in Niger State, probe panel says

An independent ministerial committee identified the causes of the deaths of 33 people held by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. Committee chairman Jonathan Kure cited overcrowding, unsuitable detention conditions, failure of duty of care and inadequate supervision. The miners endured extreme heat and dehydration, making it difficult for them to breathe and survive. The committee also found that the operation leading to their arrests had no operational order or approval from NSCDC national headquarters.