Nigerian forces fire at protesters over miners' deaths

Nigerian security forces have fired shots and used tear gas against protesters demonstrating over the deaths of 37 miners who died while in detention in Niger State.

Hundreds of people took part in a second day of protests in Minna, the state capital, on Friday, with demonstrations becoming violent in parts of the city and government facilities targeted.

It was not immediately clear whether security personnel used live ammunition or anti-riot rounds. However, a witness said bullets had been fired and reported seeing the body of one person lying on the ground.

The protests followed the deaths of 37 miners who were being held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a paramilitary agency. The miners had been arrested earlier in the week during raids in the Wushishi-Lukoto area, west of Minna, over allegations of illegal mining.

Niger State Governor Umar Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew on Friday as authorities attempted to contain the unrest and promised a full investigation into the deaths.

Violence during the demonstrations was concentrated largely around government buildings and facilities. Protesters also attacked a transport agency, damaging buses and other vehicles.

The NSCDC initially indicated that an outbreak of disease could have been responsible for the deaths, but later said the cause had not been established. The agency said further investigations, including medical examinations, would be conducted.

The deaths have raised questions over whether authorities will be able to determine the exact circumstances because the bodies were buried on Thursday evening, before the investigation was completed.

An intelligence report has suggested that poor ventilation and overcrowding inside the detention cells may have contributed to the deaths. Some protesters have alleged that the miners suffocated.

Survivors have also described severe overcrowding and difficulties breathing inside the detention facility.

Dauda Shehu, one of the survivors, said detainees had struggled to find fresh air and repeatedly appealed for help from authorities.

The NSCDC commandant in Niger State, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has been suspended by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo while the investigation continues.

The Interior Ministry said the incident was being treated seriously and that a full investigation would be conducted.

Niger State contains significant deposits of mineral resources, including gold and uranium, making mining an important part of the local economy.

Illegal mining remains widespread across Nigeria and has been linked by authorities and security analysts to violence involving groups competing for control of valuable mining areas and resources.