# Survivor recounts panic and struggle to breathe in Nigerian cell where 37 died

https://mins.news/en/item/64540

- The Guardian, 2026-09-18 15:49 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/18/survivor-panic-struggle-breathe-nigeria-prison-cell-died-minna

> A survivor says overcrowding and poor ventilation caused panic and breathing difficulties in a Nigerian prison cell where 37 suspected illegal goldminers died in custody. Protests erupted in Minna, with police firing teargas; Niger state authorities have opened an inquiry and declared three days of mourning.

## Related coverage

- [Uproar in Niger state as 37 die in custody](https://mins.news/en/item/64866) — France 24, 2026-09-18
- [Nigeria investigates deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody](https://mins.news/en/video/64760) — DW News, 2026-09-18
- [Nigerian police probe deaths of 37 illegal mining suspects in custody](https://mins.news/en/item/63806) — Al Jazeera, 2026-09-18
