The Federal Government has assured the people of Niger State that swift justice will be served following the tragic deaths of 37 artisanal miners in Wushishi, pledging a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo delivered the message on Friday in Minna while paying a condolence visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. Conveying the President’s condolences, Tunji-Ojo declared that the tragedy would not be allowed to slide. He vowed that the root cause would be uncovered and measures put in place to prevent any recurrence. The Minister stressed that the Ministry of Interior would work closely with the state government to ensure that anyone found responsible for operational negligence is held accountable.
The incident occurred after 67 miners — mostly youths aged between 14 and 18 — were arrested and detained for more than 24 hours in a Civil Defence holding cell. Thirty-seven of them died while in custody.
Governor Bago, responding to the Minister, revealed that the deaths had triggered widespread unrest. Vandals had taken over the streets of the state capital, destroying buses, attacking a bank, and ransacking businesses and party offices. In response, the Governor declared a 24-hour curfew across Minna, to take effect after Friday prayers.
Addressing federal officials, including the Minister, Bago warned that immediate action was required to restore order. He disclosed that preliminary forensic findings showed foam mixed with bloodstains in the mouths of some victims and peeling skin, raising the possibility of methane, cyanide or lead poisoning. A full investigation into the cause of death has been demanded.
The Governor thanked the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for the swift suspension of the former state Commandant who ordered the prolonged detention of so many people. He described the decision as callous and reckless, and similarly condemned the officers on duty who ignored the detainees’ screams that they were dying.
Security agencies, including the Army, Police and Department of State Services, have already intervened to prevent further escalation of violence. Bago appealed to residents to exercise restraint, remain patient and keep their children at home while authorities establish the facts.
He strongly condemned the destruction of public assets, private property, marketplaces, businesses and schools, describing such acts as an affront to governance and warning that they would not be tolerated.
In a further measure, the Governor ordered the immediate suspension of all mining activities — both legal and illegal — across Niger State until soil tests determine whether hazardous substances are present.
