I left them screaming - NSCDC officer breaks down while speaking on 37 deceased Niger miners

The officer in charge 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 but ignored them till they passed on. 

The officer made the admission while testifying before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry in Minna on Wednesday, October 21. 

Ndamaka broke down in tears at the panel as he narrated what happened, stating that the cell was overcrowded and hot. 
 

He said he heard the detained suspects screaming for help but refused to open the cell because he feared they would 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 said. 
 

Ndamaka explained that the miners arrived late in the evening when it was raining heavily and there were not enough officers on duty to handle them. 

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

"I am pained, and it is very unfortunate that this happened. I am very sorry. I admit my mistake," he said.