Fresh revelations have emerged on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. According to survivors, the miners were subjected to overcrowding, heat, and denial of water, leading to a tragic incident. The miners were arrested during an operation and taken to the NSCDC facility, where they were packed into a single cell, resulting in 60 detainees being crammed into a small room.
Survivors have given harrowing accounts of the incident, with one 11-year-old survivor, Sanusi, recounting that only four of the 14 survivors were able to walk out of the cell, while the others were unconscious. Sanusi alleged that shortly after they were brought into the cell, an NSCDC personnel opened the door and sprayed a canister into the room, causing people to faint. He also claimed that the officers threatened to shoot anyone who spoke and that a warning shot was fired into the air before the door was secured with an additional padlock.
Another survivor, 11-year-old Abdullahi, corroborated Sanusi's account, saying that detainees were denied food and water and that more people were forced into the cell after the Isha prayer, despite complaints about the lack of space. Abdullahi attributed his survival to an older detainee who pushed him, Sanusi, and two others into what appeared to be a toilet when the officer came to spray the substance. He said they remained there and avoided inhaling the substance before eventually coming out after some time.
The accounts have added to growing questions surrounding the circumstances of the deaths of the 37 miners and the conditions under which the detainees were held. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for an investigation into the matter. The NSCDC has yet to comment on the incident, but Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has promised to provide palliatives and other forms of support to the families of the deceased and those who survived.
Governor Bago stated that the state government is still investigating the actual cause of the deaths of persons who died while in the custody of the NSCDC, assuring the families that the government would conduct a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The Emir of Minna will supervise the distribution of the assistance to the affected families.
The incident has also attracted reactions from prominent Nigerians, including former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, and former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who have called for an extensive probe into the deaths of the 37 miners. A coalition has also urged calm and backed the ongoing investigation.
The families of the deceased have begun to receive support, with Governor Bago's administration providing palliatives and other forms of assistance. The incident has highlighted the need for improved conditions in detention facilities and the importance of investigating allegations of human rights abuses.
Key points
- Niger State Governor promises compensation to deceased families and survivors.
- Survivors recount overcrowding, heat, denial of water, and alleged spraying of substance inside NSCDC cell.
- Investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the government promising a thorough probe.
