According to Usman Isah Ndamaka, the official in command of the detention facility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Niger State Command, 37 miners were kept screaming in a cell till they died.
On Wednesday, while appearing before Minna’s Judicial Commission of Inquiry, the officer confessed.
As he recounted the events before the panel, Ndamaka sobbed and complained about the overcrowding and heat in the cage.
Although the police could hear the criminals pleading for assistance, he remained adamant about not opening the cell for fear that they might attack him.
Ndamaka went on to say that the miners showed up late at nite in the middle of a downpour, and that the police officers on duty were unable to deal with their arrival.
I really regret the loss of life experienced by the miners who were under my care. I feel terrible about what transpired, and it’s a shame it occurred while I was in charge. My deepest apologies. “I acknowledge my error,” he stated.
As previously reported by Afrisearch, the Niger State Government claimed that 37 miners lost their lives following their apprehension in Minna’s M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate for engaging in illicit mining operations.