The survivor told Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo that detainees began collapsing after an unidentified substance was sprayed inside an overcrowded cell.
A survivor of the Niger State detention tragedy has alleged that an unidentified substance was sprayed inside a cell where suspected illegal miners were being held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), shortly before several detainees began collapsing.
The survivor made the allegation while recounting his experience to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during their visit to some of the surviving detainees.
According to the survivor, the cell was already overcrowded when more detainees were brought in. He said those inside complained about the heat and lack of space but their concerns were allegedly ignored.
He further alleged that shortly before the cell was locked, an unidentified substance, which he described as having a strong smell similar to perfume, was sprayed inside.
He said people began falling shortly after the substance spread through the cell.
The survivor also alleged that the extreme heat became unbearable, prompting detainees to plead with officers for water.
Another survivor reportedly said he believed he survived because he was positioned close to the entrance of the cell, where ventilation was better.
The incident followed the arrest of scores of suspected illegal miners during NSCDC operations in parts of Niger State.
A total of 37 detainees have reportedly died in custody, while several others survived the incident and are receiving attention.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation. Authorities have yet to independently establish the cause of the deaths or verify the survivor’s allegation that a substance was sprayed inside the cell.
The NSCDC has previously linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while the Federal Government has ordered investigations to establish what happened and determine whether any individuals or institutions should be held responsible.
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has also been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The tragedy has generated widespread concern over the conditions under which the detainees were held and has heightened calls for a transparent investigation into the incident.
