Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has urged Nigerians to await the outcome of investigations into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The governor made the appeal as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which have triggered protests in Minna, the state capital, and prompted emergency security measures.

According to a report by Vanguard, Bago said investigators were examining several possible causes, including poisoning, suffocation, overcrowding and exposure to hazardous substances associated with mining activities.

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The governor stressed that the cause of death had not been established, adding that findings from medical and forensic examinations would be crucial in determining what happened.

He said some of the bodies reportedly showed blood or foam around the mouth, while burns were also observed on some victims.

“We just woke up to the news of the death, we don’t know what happened,” Bago said, noting that the observations raised questions but did not conclusively establish the cause.

He added that samples had been collected for laboratory analysis, while autopsies and other medical examinations were expected to help investigators determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

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Bago said overcrowding at the detention facility and possible exposure to dangerous substances were among the issues being considered by investigators.

He maintained that the public should avoid drawing conclusions before the investigations are completed, as authorities work to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The deaths sparked protests in Minna on Friday, with youths reportedly taking to the streets and barricading major roads to express their anger over the incident.

Reports indicated that security personnel deployed to the affected areas used tear gas to disperse demonstrators. There were also allegations that live ammunition was fired during the unrest.

In response to the deteriorating situation, the Niger State Government imposed a 24-hour curfew in parts of Minna. The restriction took effect immediately after Friday prayers, according to reports.

The governor appealed for calm and urged residents to remain peaceful while the investigations continue.

Bago also announced a statewide suspension of mining activities, citing concerns over illegal mining and its consequences for young people in the state.

He expressed concern that some youths were abandoning education and vocational training to engage in mining, while operating under conditions that may expose them to serious risks.

As part of the measures, the governor ordered the closure of the mining site in the M.I. Wushishi area, where authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the operation.

Bago said the site was allegedly operating without adequate technology and safety equipment, raising concerns about the conditions under which mining activities were being conducted.

The governor’s actions come amid broader questions about the safety of mining operations and the treatment of individuals detained during enforcement exercises.

According to the report, the NSCDC, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services have initiated investigations into the deaths.

Bago disclosed that committees established by the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS would work alongside a panel constituted by the state government.

The investigations are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests and deaths, while medical and forensic findings may help establish the cause.

The reported deaths have intensified public concern over accountability, detention conditions and the enforcement of mining regulations in Niger State.

However, the precise cause of the deaths remains unconfirmed. The governor has urged the public to allow investigators to complete their work before reaching conclusions.

As the probe continues, the state government’s immediate measures include restrictions in parts of Minna, the suspension of mining activities across Niger State and the closure of the M.I. Wushishi mining site.