Thirty-seven detainees died in Nigeria’s Niger State after extreme overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, heat stress and dehydration triggered acute respiratory failure, an investigation has found. The detainees had been held in September on suspicion of illegal mining.
The inquiry determined that the mining sites were licensed. Fifty people were confined in a small cell with insufficient water, sanitation and airflow, while officers allegedly failed to respond to repeated pleas for assistance. Adults and minors were held together, and some detainees remained in custody beyond the periods permitted by law.
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Authorities have promised legal action against those found responsible. The investigating committee also called for compensation, recommending $22,285 for each bereaved family and 10m naira for every survivor.
