A surviving suspected illegal miner detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has alleged that a substance resembling perfume was sprayed inside an overcrowded cell shortly before some detainees began collapsing.
The survivor, who spoke in Hausa during a televised address on Friday, gave the account in the presence of Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as investigations continued into the deaths of 37 detainees.
According to the survivor, 17 people were initially locked inside the cell, but additional detainees were later brought in despite complaints that the room was too small and hot.
“They locked us in a very small room. We were 17 in number. Then they added more people. And we started complaining that the room was small. The room was very hot.”
He alleged that the detainees were subsequently ordered to stand as officers prepared to lock the room.
The survivor claimed that a substance which appeared to be perfume was then sprayed inside the cell.
“As they were about to lock the room, they sprayed something that looked like perfume, and the smell started disturbing everyone in the room, and that’s how people started falling down.”
He further alleged that conditions inside the cell became increasingly difficult as the heat intensified.
According to him, the detainees repeatedly asked for water but were refused access to the cell.
“The room became extremely hot. We pleaded with them to give us water, but they said no one would open the door for us that same night.”
The account has emerged as authorities investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were detained following NSCDC operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Governor Bago previously disclosed that 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners had been detained in the NSCDC facility before 37 of them died. Other detainees survived and were taken to hospital for treatment.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, but the corps later said the actual cause had not been established and that medical and laboratory examinations were necessary.
Bago has said investigators are examining several possibilities, including suffocation linked to overcrowding and exposure to hazardous substances associated with mining activities.
The governor also disclosed that medical, forensic and biological experts had been deployed to collect samples, while authorities were examining the possibility of hazardous or radiological exposure at the mining site.
The survivor’s allegation that a substance was sprayed inside the cell is now another issue that investigators may need to establish through forensic evidence, including identifying the substance, determining whether it was harmful and establishing whether it had any connection to the deaths.
The Federal Government has ordered a full investigation into the incident. President Bola Tinubu has directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted where the evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has been suspended pending the investigation.
The Nigeria Police Force has also commenced an investigation. Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disuvisited Governor Bago in Minna on Friday and pledged that the police would work with other agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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