I left them screaming – NSCDC officer breaks down whereas talking on 37 deceased Niger miners

The officer in command of the detention facility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Niger State Command, Usman Isah Ndamaka, has admitted that he heard the 37 miners screaming in a cell however ignored them until they handed on.

The officer made the admission whereas testifying earlier than the Judicial Commission of Inquiry in Minna on Wednesday, October 21.

Ndamaka broke down in tears on the panel as he narrated what occurred, stating that the cell was overcrowded and sizzling. 

He mentioned he heard the detained suspects screaming for assist however refused to open the cell as a result of he feared they might overpower him.

“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,” he mentioned. 

Ndamaka defined that the miners arrived late within the night when it was raining closely and there weren’t sufficient officers on obligation to deal with them.

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

“I’m pained, and it is extremely unlucky that this occurred. I’m very sorry. I admit my mistake,” he mentioned.