MINERS RETURN TO SITE WHERE 37 DIED IN NSCDC CUSTODY

MINERS RETURN TO SITE WHERE 37 DIED IN NSCDC CUSTODY

Illegal miners including teenagers, adult men and women — have returned to the mining sites at M.I Wushishi, Minna, Niger State, just days after 37 persons died in NSCDC custody.

According to the Photos from the area reportedly show teenagers, women and adult workers back at the mining site, continuing their gold-mining activities.

The 37 deceased were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested on September 15 and 16 around Lt Gen Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate, Minna, during an NSCDC operation.

NSCDC said they died on September 18 following a suspected disease outbreak in detention. Survivors and families however allege overcrowding in one cell and claim a substance was sprayed inside.

The return of miners to the site has also renewed questions about the conditions that drive people, including young workers, into informal mining despite the risks involved. 

"If you don't come out for a day or two you will feel it because there are no profitable jobs," said miner Salisu DanMallam, who has mined there for over 15 years.

A visit to the site on Saturday showed miners using shovels, picks and pans, washing soil in a nearby stream for gold, with no security operatives on ground.

Despite the tragedy and the suspension of State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, by Governor Umaru Bago, many miners say they have no choice but to return.