Deaths in detention cells in Nigeria were entirely preventable, inquiry finds

An inquiry into the deaths of 33 detainees in Nigeria's Minna state has found they died as a result of severe overcrowding, poor ventilation and failure by officers to respond to distress calls.

Forensic and medical evidence showed the "entirely preventable" deaths had resulted from acute respiratory failure linked to prolonged confinement, aggravated by heat stress and dehydration.

The evidence did not support initial claims of a disease outbreak.

The detainees were found dead on 17 September while being held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on suspicion of illegal mining. The investigation found that the mining sites had been licensed.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said those found responsible for the deaths would face the full force of the law.

He added that the detention hall had been cleaned before investigators arrived, raising concerns about possible attempts to compromise evidence.

Implicated officers will face suspension and the report would be forwarded to the attorney general of the federation for further legal action, Tunji-Ojo said.

The investigating committee found that the raid on the miners had been conducted without an approved operational order, proper planning or consultation with the Mining Marshals Unit.

Kaynak: BBC News World RSS (Açık Basın / Haber Servisi)