Substance was sprayed into our cell before 37 detainees died — Surviving Niger miner

A detained suspected illegal miner in Niger State revealed that a substance resembling perfume was sprayed into their cell before 37 detainees died. The survivor spoke in Hausa during a televised address, addressing Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. He recounted that 17 detainees were initially held in the cell, and more were added, leading to complaints about it being too small and hot.

As officers prepared to lock the room, the survivor alleged that a substance, looking like perfume, was sprayed, causing the detainees to collapse. The heat inside the cell became unbearable, and the detainees pleaded for water, which was denied. This account comes as investigations into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) continue.