A Nigerian government inquiry has concluded that 33 miners arrested on suspicion of illegal gold mining died from suffocation after being held in an overcrowded and poorly ventilated detention cell, with investigators describing the conditions as "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment."

The miners, including 14 children, were arrested during a security operation last month and detained in a holding cell in Minna, the capital of Niger State. Their bodies were later discovered inside the same cell.

Inquiry blames overcrowding and lack of ventilation

Presenting the findings to the government, the head of the inquiry committee, Jonathan Kure, said medical and forensic evidence showed that the victims died after being kept for an extended period in an extremely overcrowded cell with inadequate ventilation.

According to the report, the combination of severe overcrowding, excessive heat, dehydration and a lack of fresh air led to acute respiratory failure, causing the deaths.

"The committee has concluded that these conditions amounted to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment," Kure said.

Survivors describe desperate conditions

Survivors told investigators they had been confined in a poorly ventilated cell and struggled to breathe for hours.

Some also alleged that an irritant substance, which caused burning in their noses and throats, had been sprayed into the cell before the door was shut.

According to witness testimonies, detainees repeatedly banged on the cell door and shouted for help, but guards failed to respond.

Death toll revised after investigation

Authorities initially reported that 37 detainees had died. However, the inquiry committee said its investigation confirmed 33 deaths.

The findings have intensified scrutiny of detention conditions in Nigeria, with calls for accountability over the deaths and reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.(ILKHA)