Nigeria Shoots Minna Protesters Over 37 Dead Detainees

Security forces in Nigeria opened fire on demonstrators gathered in Minna to protest the tragic deaths of 37 miners held in custody. Tear gas was deployed as hundreds rallied during a second day of unrest that erupted Friday afternoon. The violence followed an official announcement Thursday stating all victims died while detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, a paramilitary agency.

Witnesses told Reuters that live ammunition was fired at the crowd, leaving one body on the ground before more chaos ensued. It remains unclear if troops used lethal bullets or anti-riot pellets to disperse the angry mob demanding answers. State governor Umar Bago immediately imposed a strict 24-hour curfew across Niger State to restore order and prevent further bloodshed.

The government has pledged a full investigation into these deaths after officials admitted miners arrested during raids on illegal gold operations may have suffocated in their cells. Survivors described a terrifying nightmare where they were jam-packed inside rooms with no ventilation, making it impossible to breathe. Dauda Shehu told reporters he and others scrambled for fresh air while banging on the cell door without any response from guards.

Some intelligence reports suggest poor airflow and severe overcrowding caused the fatalities, though the NSCDC initially claimed an unknown disease might be responsible before clarifying that cause of death remains unconfirmed. Despite this uncertainty, all deceased miners were buried Thursday evening which raises serious concerns about whether post-mortem examinations can still occur to determine exact circumstances.

Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye has been suspended pending the probe after Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo labeled the incident unfortunate yet necessary for full scrutiny. The agency now faces intense pressure as survivors recount their panic and struggle to survive inside suffocating conditions during those final hours of captivity.

Niger State holds vast deposits of gold and uranium making mining a core pillar of its economy while illegal operations often fuel violence among armed groups. Authorities must act quickly to ensure transparency and accountability before public trust erodes further in this mineral-rich region where lives are at stake.