A surviving suspected illegal miner detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has alleged that an unidentified substance was sprayed inside their overcrowded cell shortly before several detainees collapsed and died.
The survivor said 17 people were initially locked inside the small room before more detainees were brought in. He said they complained about the heat and lack of space, but the room was still locked.
According to him, officers sprayed a substance that looked like perfume inside the cell, after which the smell began disturbing the detainees and people started falling down.
He also alleged that the detainees pleaded for water as the heat became unbearable, but their requests were refused.
The incident occurred after suspected illegal miners were arrested during operations in Niger State on September 15 and 16. A total of 37 detainees later died in NSCDC custody.
The exact cause of the deaths has not been established. Authorities have ordered investigations and medical examinations, while the Niger State NSCDC commandant has been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
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