- Safiu Kehinde
One of the surviving miners detained at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ (NSCDC) in Niger State has recounted his ordeal at the agency’s custody where 37 miner were discovered dead.
NPO Reported that the miners who were arrested during a clampdown on illegal mining activities were found dead in the early hours of Thursday.
The mysterious death of the miners had sparked public outrage with calls for investigation to unravel the cause of the incident.
While both the Federal and State Governments had since sprouted intk action, one of the surviving miners, on Friday, dropped a lead for investigation as he alleged that they were sprayed with toxic substance.
Speaking in Hausa while addressing the state governor, Umaru Bago, and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the miner disclosed that the total number of people arrested during the raid were about 48.
He narrated how they were cramped into a tiny cell.
They reportedly complained to the NSCDC officials about their discomfort.
In reaction, the officials allegedly sprsyed them with the yet-to-be identified substance which spread panic in the cell.
“We were about 48 who were arrested. They detained us in a tiny cell which was suffocating.
“We complained over the discomfort only for them to spray us with a toxic substance.” He said.
The miner disclosed that he fainted after perceiving the substance amid the scramble.
“I fainted after percieving the odour of the substance.” He said.
Interpreting the statement to Tunji-Ojo, Bago confirmed that the miner claimed that they were sprsyed with a substance.
While investigation is still ongoing over the incident, Tunji-Ojo had since suspended the NSCDC Commandant in Niger state with the minister vowing to unravel the circumstances that led to the death of the miners.