NSCDC cell deaths in Niger spark outrage as survivors reveal overcrowding, suffocation and desperate conditions inside the detention cell.
Survivors Recall Terrifying Moments
Dauda Shehu and other detainees initially struggled to find space inside the cell. Soon, however, they faced a more basic problem: breathing. Shehu was among 65 suspected illegal miners detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna, Niger State, after their arrests on September 15 and 16.
The detainees reportedly spent three days in custody. At least 37 later died, triggering outrage and a government investigation. Shehu survived the ordeal and described the terrifying conditions inside the cell.
“All of a sudden, we realised that we could not breathe and we were all struggling for where to get fresh air,” he said.
Shehu alleged that the detainees banged on the cell door and repeatedly called officers for help.
“Even when we raised the alarm that some people were being suffocated, nobody answered us,” he added.
‘We Drank Our Urine’
Another survivor described the situation as extremely desperate. He said some detainees drank their own urine after they ran out of water.
“We resorted to drinking our urine inside the cell because of the suffering we were going through,” he said.
Another survivor believed his position near the entrance helped him survive.
“We survived because we were close to the entrance and we were screaming for help,” he said.
He also claimed that some detainees came from Allawa after bandits forced them from their homes. According to him, they turned to mining in Minna to survive.
A third survivor made another disturbing allegation. He claimed officers sprayed a substance inside the cell before people started collapsing. He said 17 detainees initially occupied the room before officers added more people.
“They locked us in a very small room. We were 17 in number. Then they added more people,” he said.
According to him, the room became extremely hot before officers allegedly sprayed something that smelled like perfume.
Cause of Death Remains Unclear
The NSCDC attributed the deaths to a disease outbreak but did not identify the illness. Survivors, however, alleged that overcrowding, suffocation and dehydration contributed to the deaths.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago also raised concerns about possible poisoning. He said preliminary forensic findings showed foam mixed with blood in some victims’ mouths. The findings also reportedly showed peeling skin.
Bago said the signs could point to methane, cyanide or lead poisoning. However, authorities stressed that a full investigation must establish the actual cause.
The deaths also triggered protests in Minna. The demonstrations later turned violent as hoodlums reportedly attacked offices, businesses and vehicles. Governor Bago subsequently imposed a 24-hour curfew on the city and suspended mining activities across Niger State.
Tinubu Orders Full Investigation
President Bola Tinubu ordered a comprehensive investigation into the deaths. The probe will examine the arrests, detention conditions, number of detainees and medical care provided.
Tinubu said suspects still have the right to life, dignity and humane treatment. The Federal Government also suspended Niger NSCDC Commandant Suberu Aniviye pending the investigation.
The commandant and 21 other officers were later detained in Abuja for questioning. Meanwhile, the Ministries of Interior and Solid Minerals Development pledged to investigate the tragedy.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu also promised police involvement in the probe.
For the affected families, however, one major question remains: What exactly killed the 37 detainees inside NSCDC custody?
