An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has admitted hearing detained miners screaming before they died in custody but said he did not open their cell because he feared they would overpower him.
The officer, Assistant Superintendent of Corps (ASC) Usman Isah Ndamaka, who is in charge of the detention facility at the NSCDC Niger State Command, made the disclosure while testifying before a judicial commission of inquiry established by the state government.
Ndamaka reportedly broke down in tears while appearing before the commission, chaired by Justice Mohammed Mohammed, as he apologised to the bereaved families and the people of Niger State over the incident.
He acknowledged that the detention cell was overcrowded and that the miners had been screaming, but explained that a shortage of personnel at the time made him reluctant to open the cell.
According to him, he feared that the detainees could overpower him if he attempted to release them without adequate support.
Expressing remorse over the deaths, the officer accepted responsibility for his actions and described the incident as unfortunate.
“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.
He further explained that his fear of being overpowered prevented him from opening the cell despite hearing the detainees crying out because of overcrowding and excessive heat.
“The fear of being overpowered by the detainees prevented me from opening the cell door, despite hearing them screaming and shouting because of overcrowding and the heat inside,” Ndamaka stated.
His testimony has brought renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the miners while in detention and the conditions under which they were held.
The judicial commission is investigating the incident, with the officer’s account providing details of what allegedly happened inside the detention facility before the miners died.
