
A survivor of the incident that reportedly led to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal gold miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has recounted his experience inside the detention cell.
The survivor said 17 people were initially locked inside a small room before more detainees were brought in.
He said those inside the room complained that the space was too small and the heat was unbearable, but they were allegedly kept there.
According to him, the situation became more uncomfortable when they were asked to stand as the room was about to be locked.
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He further alleged that an unidentified substance that looked like perfume was sprayed inside the cell.
The survivor said the substance produced a strong smell that began to disturb the detainees.
“As they were about to lock the room, they sprayed something that looked like perfume, and the smell started disturbing everyone in the room,” he said.
The account comes amid investigations into the deaths of the suspected illegal miners while in NSCDC custody.