The officer in charge of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) detention facility in Niger State, Usman Isah Ndamaka, has admitted that he heard 37 detained miners screaming for help but failed to open their cell before they died.
Ndamaka made the admission while testifying before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry in Minna on Wednesday. He broke down in tears as he explained that the cell was overcrowded and hot.
The officer said he feared the miners would overpower him if he opened the door, despite hearing their cries for help.
“I heard them screaming in the cell till they died. The fear of being overpowered by them prevented me from opening the cell door, despite hearing them screaming and shouting because of overcrowding and the heat inside,” he said.
He also revealed that the miners were brought in late in the evening during heavy rain. According to him, there were not enough officers on duty to handle the situation.
Expressing regret over the deaths, Ndamaka apologised for what happened under his watch.
“I am very sorry for the deaths of the miners in my custody. It is unfortunate that this happened under my watch.
“I am pained, and it is very unfortunate that this happened. I am very sorry. I admit my mistake,” he said.
INTELNEWS recalls that the Niger State Government had earlier announced that 37 miners died after they were arrested at M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna over alleged illegal mining activities.
