Tension and outrage have gripped Niger State following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation and vowed that anyone found responsible will face punishment. Former military President Ibrahim Babangida, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and civil society organisations have condemned the deaths. The NSCDC Niger State commandant has been removed, and a riot broke out in Minna. A survivor said a chemical sprayed in the detention room made breathing difficult. Additionally, Nasarawa State has banned minors from mining, and five alleged illegal miners died in a pit collapse in Taraba State.
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