Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has provided an update on survivors of the incident in which 37 suspected miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.
Bago said some of the survivors had been discharged from hospital and reunited with their families, while others remained under medical care.
The governor disclosed this during an interview with Arise Television on Saturday, saying the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) had also taken statements from those who were discharged.
According to him, the survivors underwent medical examinations before being released to their families.
“The DSS and the Nigerian Police took them into custody. Some have been discharged from the hospital. Some are still in the hospital. Those discharged have reunited with their families.
“They have undergone medical tests, and they have been certified to be very okay to go back to their families.”
Bago said some of those still receiving treatment had suffered dehydration and malnutrition and expressed optimism that they would recover and return home shortly.
“A few are still in the hospital, and we are hopeful that before the end of this week, they will also be okay because they suffered a lot of dehydration and also malnutrition.”
The governor’s latest comments come amid an ongoing investigation into the deaths of the detainees following their arrest during operations against suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation. Authorities have considered several possible factors, including overcrowding, conditions inside the detention facility and exposure to hazardous substances, while earlier statements from the NSCDC state command had pointed to a suspected disease outbreak.
The Federal Government has constituted an independent 10-member committee to investigate the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including whether there was negligence, misconduct or other responsibility.
The government has also suspended the Niger State NSCDC commandant and additional officers in connection with the incident pending the outcome of investigations.
The latest update from Bago provides further information about the condition and whereabouts of some of the people who survived the detention, but does not establish the cause of the 37 deaths. The independent investigation and medical and forensic examinations are expected to provide further findings.
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