Nigeria, Sept. 18 -- Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

The rights organisation said the victims, including minors, were arrested on 15 and 16 September at mining sites around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna and died after spending one to two days in detention.

"This loss of lives cannot go unanswered," Amnesty said, urging the authorities to establish how the detention of the suspects "descended into a disaster that killed minors."

Amnesty said the investigation must be prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective, cov...