Grieving families in Nigeria are demanding immediate justice following the deaths of 37 men inside a crowded paramilitary detention cell in Minna, the capital of Niger State. The victims were detained on suspicion of illegal gold mining by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Survivors reported horrific conditions inside the holding cell, describing severe overcrowding and a lack of proper ventilation. According to one survivor, guards sprayed an unknown, pungent substance into the room shortly before locking the door and ignoring desperate calls for help.
News of the fatalities sparked widespread outrage and violent street protests across Minna, prompting security forces to discharge firearms to disperse crowds. Local resident Allamin Adamu, 24, reported being shot while returning from a funeral for one of the deceased miners. “I heard gunshots, ducked, and the next thing I knew I woke up in a gutter,” he said from his hospital bed.
Family members have expressed immense grief and warned of further unrest. “If the government does not take decisive action, we will continue to protest,” said Adamu Idris, whose 27-year-old brother died in custody. Musa Aliyu, 52, who lost two sons in the tragedy, called for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability.
In response, President Bola Tinubu condemned any potential official negligence or abuse and ordered a full investigation. The Ministry of Interior subsequently inaugurated a 10-member independent panel—comprising intelligence officers, medical experts, human rights advocates, and mining representatives—to submit a findings report within two weeks.
Authorities have already suspended 20 NSCDC officers and guards connected to the incident, as well as their state commander. Mineral-rich Niger State routinely attracts thousands of artisanal miners seeking gold, often facing hazardous conditions and strict law enforcement crackdowns.
