A survivor of a mass-death incident at a detention facility in Minna, the capital of Nigeria’s Niger State, has recounted the extreme conditions inside an overcrowded cell where 33 of his fellow detainees died.
Usman Muhammad, who survived the incident, described the conditions as unbearably hot and overcrowded, saying he had never experienced such intense heat in his life.
According to a report by BBC Africa, Muhammad had been held in a cell measuring approximately 6 metres by 3 metres with more than 50 other detainees.
The incident occurred after officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested a group of artisanal miners in the Minna area. The detainees were subsequently held at an NSCDC detention facility.
Muhammad said the cell had very limited ventilation, with only a small window positioned high on one of the walls. With temperatures outside exceeding 25 degrees Celsius and humidity reportedly above 90 percent, conditions inside the cell became increasingly difficult for those detained.
He said some detainees began experiencing serious distress as the hours passed.
Muhammad recalled that one person collapsed while those inside the cell called for assistance and requested water. He alleged that their pleas did not receive the response they expected.
As the situation deteriorated, the detainees reportedly struggled with dehydration and the oppressive conditions inside the cell.
Another survivor, Adamu Isah, also told Reuters that detainees repeatedly called for help and attempted to get the attention of security personnel after people began collapsing.
The cell door was eventually opened on Thursday, when guards reportedly discovered the deaths.
In total, 33 detainees died inside the cell, while four others subsequently died in hospital, bringing the reported death toll to 37.
The incident has triggered public outrage and protests, with relatives and residents demanding answers over how such a large number of people could die while in detention.
Initial reports from federal officials had suggested that diphtheria may have been responsible for the deaths. However, the circumstances surrounding the incident are now the subject of an official investigation.
The NSCDC has announced that 24 of its personnel have been taken into custody in connection with the incident. Among those reportedly detained is the suspended Niger State commandant, Suberu Aniviye.
The Nigerian government has also established a 10-member committee to investigate the deaths. The committee has been given two weeks to determine what caused the incident and identify those who may have been responsible.
Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said no officer would be protected if found culpable and that anyone who attempts to interfere with the investigation could face consequences.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has also expressed concern over the deaths and welcomed the federal investigation.
For Muhammad, speaking about what happened is part of an effort to ensure that the deaths of those who were with him do not go unanswered.
The investigation is expected to provide further information about the conditions at the detention facility, the cause of the deaths and whether any individuals or institutions should face legal action.
Source: Thepressradio.com
