Niger miners’ deaths: NSCDC officer weeps, admits leaving 37 victims screaming until they died

An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Usman Isah Ndamaka, has admitted leaving 37 detained miners screaming for help until they died in an overcrowded cell in Niger State.

According to Daily Post, Ndamaka made the confession on Wednesday while testifying before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry in Minna.

The officer, who supervised the detention facility, broke down in tears while recounting the incident.

“I heard them screaming in the cell till they died. 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 arrived during heavy rainfall, with insufficient officers available to manage them.

“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.