Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has urged members of the public to remain calm and await the outcome of ongoing investigations into the tragic deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Suspicious Findings: Governor Bago noted that preliminary observations raised major questions, revealing that some of the deceased had blood or froth around their mouths, along with mysterious burns on their bodies. Investigators are currently examining possibilities such as poisoning, suffocation, facility overcrowding, or exposure to hazardous materials.

• Scientific Investigations: Laboratory samples, medical examinations, forensic analyses, and autopsies have been launched to determine the exact scientific cause of death. Multiple independent probes have been initiated by the state government, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

• Curfew and Protests: Following the incident, angry youths took to the streets in Minna, blocking major roads and prompting security forces to disperse crowds. In response to the unrest, Governor Bago declared an immediate 24-hour curfew in parts of the state capital.

• Crackdown on Illegal Mining: Expressing deep concern that youths are abandoning their education and vocational training for hazardous mining, the governor announced a total suspension of mining activities across Niger State and ordered the immediate closure of the unsafe M.I. Wushishi mining site.

Former military Head of State, retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the tragic deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in custody in Niger State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• The Call for Justice: Speaking through Dr. Danladi Umar Abdulhameed, the Tambarin Kagara, Babangida described the incident as deeply disturbing and urged relevant authorities to uncover the exact circumstances and causes behind the deaths.

• Support for Forensic Inquiries: IBB commended the Niger State Government’s swift response, specifically welcoming the formation of a committee of inquiry and the initiation of medical and forensic examinations to establish the facts.

• Appeal for Calm: Expressing his condolences to the bereaved families, the former leader urged local residents, youths, and the victims’ relatives to remain calm, avoid actions that could heighten tensions, and allow due process to run its course.

A survivor of the incident involving the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has claimed that the mining site belongs to former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• The Allegation: The survivor, Malam Babawo Tudun Nasera—whose 17-year-old brother Salim was among the deceased—stated in a video that authorities wanted the miners to halt operations, but they continued working based on instructions allegedly given by Babangida.

• The Arrest and Detention: Nasera explained that the miners went to the site to earn a living to feed their families before NSCDC personnel arrested them and held them in custody for three days, allegedly refusing release efforts.

• Suspicious Circumstances: Raising questions about the sudden deaths, Nasera noted that the detainees had eaten well the day before, speculating that heat exposure or some form of administered substance may have been involved.

• Lack of Verification: It remains unverified whether Babangida personally owns the operation, holds a mining license, or owns the land, as the NSCDC maintains that the miners were operating illegally.