A survivor of the Niger State mining tragedy has recounted how suspected illegal miners died in an overcrowded detention cell after allegedly struggling for air, water and ventilation.
At least 37 suspects arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reportedly died barely two days after their arrest.
Dauda Shehu, one of the survivors, told Zarar Bunu TV that inmates cried for help and banged on the cell door as their colleagues began dying, but alleged that the NSCDC personnel on duty did not respond.
He said the detainees eventually resorted to drinking urine after being unable to access water amid the intense heat.
“Those who still had a vestige of life began crying out and banging hard on the door, but NSCDC personnel on duty remained unresponsive,” Shehu said.
According to him, 66 people were held in one cell, which he said was too small and poorly ventilated for the number of detainees.
He alleged that some of the miners had been unable to pay N150,000 demanded by community leaders in Lokoto, Bosso Local Government Area, for each mining pit.
Another survivor, identified as Aminu Sale, said the detainees were drenched in sweat as they struggled to survive in the overcrowded cell.
“We shared, in turns, a small window for ventilation. Many of my friends and relatives have fallen,” he said.
Sale, an internally displaced person from Allawa in Shiroro Local Government Area, said mining was his main source of livelihood.
Families demand remains
Relatives of the deceased have appealed to the authorities to release the remains of their loved ones for burial.
Hauwa Umar, whose nephew was among the victims, said the family wanted his remains released immediately.
“They cannot bring our son back, but they are holding his remains. This is sheer injustice,” she said.
Another relative, Ummi Halli, also appealed for the release of her grandson’s remains.
Meanwhile, Malam Abdullahi, a security guard at an A.A. Rano filling station along Mai Tumbi, said he had repeatedly sought bail for his son but was unsuccessful.
He said he took food to his son on the night before the deaths and returned the following morning, only to find his son dead.
“I saw ambulances loaded with corpses. I took food to my son that night. I also took food to him in the morning, but found his lifeless body. I lost a breadwinner,” he said.