Niger: NSCDC Officer breaks down, tenders apology over death of 37 miners

…..Detainees screamed for help, but fear stopped me from opening cell, officer tells panel

 By, Daniel Ebi, Minna

An Assistant Superintendent of Corps (ASC), Usman Isah Ndamaka, on Thursday broke down in tears and apologized over the deaths of 37 miners in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).

Ndamaka, who was in charge of the detention facility when the incident occurred on September 17, admitted responsibility, telling the Justice Mohammed Mohammed-led Judicial Commission of Inquiry in Minna that overcrowding, intense heat and fear prevented officers from opening the cell despite the detainees’ distress.

He said the facility, designed for 28 to 30 inmates, was overwhelmed following the arrest of 58 suspected illegal miners, comprising 33 males and 25 females. Efforts to relocate some detainees reportedly failed.

“I am very sorry for the death of the miners under my custody. It is unfortunate that this happened under my watch,” he told the panel.

The head of the NSCDC investigation unit, Chief Superintendent of Corps Sunday Oluwadere, also expressed regret over operational lapses during the handling of the suspects.

Meanwhile, Chief Consultant Pathologist at the General Hospital, Minna, Alfa Sule, told the commission that post-mortem examinations were necessary to establish the cause of death. 

He said coroner approval and consent from the deceased persons’ families were required for the autopsies and further forensic analyses.

He projected that the complete forensic results could be ready within two weeks of dispatching the samples.

Following the incident, NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar Audi ordered the arrest of 22 officers, including the suspended Niger State Commandant, Siaka Zubeiru Anirive, who were taken to the corps’ national headquarters in Abuja.

Eight personnel have so far testified before the commission as investigations continue.