Tragedy In Niger: Detention Officer Breaks Down, Reveals Why He Failed To Rescue 37 Miners

Usman Isah Ndamaka, the officer in charge of the detention facility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, has admitted that he heard 37 detained miners screaming for help but failed to open their cell until they died.

Ndamaka made the admission while testifying before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry in Minna on Wednesday, October 21, where he broke down in tears while recounting the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The officer told the panel that the detention cell was overcrowded and excessively hot, conditions that reportedly left the detained miners struggling for their lives.

According to his testimony, he heard the detainees shouting and pleading for help but refused to open the cell door because he feared they might overpower him if he allowed them out.

“I heard them screaming in the cell till they gave up the ghost. 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,” Ndamaka told the commission.

He further explained that the miners were brought to the facility late in the evening during heavy rainfall, when there were reportedly insufficient officers on duty to manage the number of detainees.

Expressing remorse over the deaths, Ndamaka apologised to the families of the deceased and acknowledged that the tragedy occurred while the miners were under his supervision.

“I am very sorry for the demise of the miners in my custody. It is unfortunate that this happened under my watch,” he said.

The officer added that he was deeply pained by the incident and accepted responsibility for his failure to act.

“I am pained, and it is very unfortunate that this happened. I am very sorry. I admit my mistake,” he stated.

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry is examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 miners while they were in detention, including the conditions inside the cell and the actions of the officers responsible for their custody.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Ndamaka’s testimony has brought renewed attention to the circumstances of the miners’ deaths and the responsibility of security personnel to protect people held in detention.