Miners’ deaths: Shehu Sani narrates ‘Hell on earth’ experience in congested cell

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has expressed his sympathy over the tragic deaths of 37 artisanal miners who were held in custody by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. These miners, including teenagers, were arrested on September 15 and 16 due to accusations of illegal mining. According to Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the now suspended state commandant of the NSCDC, the suspects succumbed to what was likely a disease outbreak in the facility early Thursday morning.

In a post on his X handle, Shehu Sani recounted his own experience of detention, describing the conditions as "hell on earth." During his arrest, he was placed in a crowded cell, where the lack of fresh air and unbearable heat were his main concerns. To signal for more oxygen, detainees were forced to bang on the walls with spoons and plates until officials took action.

Sani emphasized the cruelty of these crowded cells, highlighting the suffocating darkness, asphyxiation, sweat, and foul odor faced by inmates. He noted that the only respite from this misery was a brief opportunity to breathe through small cracks in the window, a privilege typically reserved for the strongest individuals.

Sani called for those responsible for the miners' deaths to face the full consequences of their actions, stating that justice must be served.