An officer in charge of a detention facility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State, Usman Isah Ndamaka, has admitted that he heard 37 detained miners screaming for help but failed to open their cell until they died.
Ndamaka made the shocking admission on Wednesday, October 21, while testifying before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry in Minna, where he broke down in tears while recounting the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The officer told the panel that the cell was overcrowded and unbearably hot, leaving the detained miners screaming and shouting for help. However, he said fear of being overpowered by the detainees prevented him from opening the door.
“I heard them screaming in the cell till they gave up the ghost. 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.
Ndamaka explained that the miners were brought to the facility late in the evening amid heavy rainfall, adding that the number of officers on duty was insufficient to handle the detainees.
Expressing remorse over the incident, the officer apologised to the families of the deceased miners and admitted that he had failed in his responsibility while they were in his custody.
“I am very sorry for the demise of the miners in my custody. It is unfortunate that this happened under my watch,” he told the commission.
He added, “I am pained, and it is very unfortunate that this happened. I am very sorry. I admit my mistake.”
The commission is examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 miners while in NSCDC custody, including the conditions in which they were detained and the actions taken by officers on duty.
