Survivors recount panic and struggle to breathe in Nigerian prison cell where 37 died

A harrowing incident in Nigeria has led to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal goldminers, many of whom were children, while in the custody of a paramilitary group. Survivors from the congested prison cell in Minna have come forward to recount the terrifying ordeal, describing a desperate struggle for air and overwhelming panic before their fellow detainees succumbed. This tragedy occurred within the cells of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a security agency tasked with protecting critical infrastructure and enforcing certain laws.

The victims were apprehended during a series of raids conducted by the NSCDC on suspected illegal goldmines. The mineral-rich state of Niger, where Minna serves as the capital, is prone to such illicit mining activities, which often involve vulnerable populations, including minors. Following their arrest, dozens of miners were confined to the NSCDC cells, where the grim discovery was made on Thursday. The scale of the deaths and the involvement of children have ignited widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.

The public's outrage quickly escalated into protests across the city of Minna on Friday. Demonstrators voiced their anger and demanded answers regarding the circumstances of the deaths. Law enforcement responded by firing teargas to disperse the crowds, indicating the tension and volatility of the situation. Subsequently, local authorities felt compelled to impose an overnight curfew, aiming to restore order and prevent further unrest. This incident casts a harsh light on detention practices and the broader issues surrounding illegal mining and human rights in Nigeria.