Some suspected illegal miners who survived detention alongside 37 colleagues who reportedly died in custody have recounted the harsh conditions they allegedly experienced before the deaths occurred.
The survivors claimed that several detainees struggled to breathe inside an overcrowded cell, while repeated appeals for water, ventilation and medical assistance allegedly went unanswered by officials on duty.
Naija News previously reported that at least 37 suspected illegal miners arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) died about two days after their detention.
One of the survivors, Dauda Shehu, described the desperate efforts made by detainees to survive as conditions inside the cell reportedly deteriorated.
Speaking in an interview with Zarar Bunu TV, Shehu alleged that some inmates who remained conscious cried out for help and repeatedly banged on the cell door, but claimed their pleas were ignored.
According to Shehu, the detainees resorted to desperate measures after struggling to access water and adequate ventilation.
“Those who still had a vestige of life began crying out and banging hard on the door, but NSCDC personnel on duty remained unresponsive.”
He further alleged that the detainees “exhausted every means to stay alive,” including drinking their urine and repeatedly calling for assistance.
Shehu claimed that inmates began collapsing one after another as the situation inside the cell worsened.
How the Detention Allegedly Began
Shehu said the incident followed a dispute involving community leaders in Lokoto, a settlement in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to him, the community leaders allegedly demanded ₦150,000 for each mining pit operated by the miners.
He claimed that many of the miners were unable to meet the demand because of limited mining opportunities in the area.
“We met with them at the palace. They demanded N150k for each mining pit, but we complained that diamonds were not abundant in the area, and therefore we could not raise the amount,” Shehu said.
He added that while some miners reportedly paid, others promised to make payment later.
Survivor Claims 66 People Were Held in One Cell
Shehu also alleged that 66 detainees were placed in a single cell, creating severe overcrowding and excessive heat.
“Sixty-six of us were put in one cell. Six people are currently on admission. They did not torture us, but there was excessive heat,” he said.
According to him, detainees complained that the cell was too small for the number of people being held there, but their concerns were allegedly not addressed.
“We watched our colleagues die, and even when we raised the alarm, they thought we were lying,” he added.
Shehu further claimed that some detainees drank urine because they could not access sufficient water amid the intense heat.
“Some people died in the night while others died in the morning on Thursday,” he said.
Another Survivor Describes Struggle for Air
Another survivor, who identified himself as Aminu Sale — not his real name — also described the conditions inside the detention facility.
Sale claimed that detainees were soaked in sweat as they struggled to breathe in the overcrowded cell.
“We shared, in turns, a small window for ventilation. Many of my friends and relatives have fallen,” he said.
Sale said he was an internally displaced person from Allawa in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State and explained that mining was his primary source of income.
The allegations by the survivors raise questions about the conditions under which the detainees were held and the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Any official investigation or response from the relevant authorities would be important in establishing what happened and determining responsibility.