Enduring The Unthinkable: Miner’s Account Of Drinking Urine To Survive

Along with 37 colleagues who perished in custody, some suspected illegal miners who survived detention have described the terrible circumstances they allegedly faced prior to the deaths.

According to the survivors, multiple inmates were having difficulty breathing in an overcrowded cell, and officials on duty allegedly ignored their repeated cries for assistance.

At least 37 suspected illegal miners who were detained by Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) agents reportedly passed away two days after being taken into custody. Updates

Dauda Shehu, one of the survivors, claimed that as conditions inside the cell deteriorated, the prisoners used every resource at their disposal to survive.

Speaking in an interview with Zarar Bunu TV, Shehu alleged that some inmates who were still conscious cried out for assistance and banged on the cell door, but their pleas were ignored.

He said, “Those who still had a vestige of life began crying out and banging hard on the door, but NSCDC personnel on duty remained unresponsive.

“We exhausted every means to stay alive, including drinking our urine and calling for help, but no one came to our aid. The inmates on the left and right began falling one after another.”

“We met with them at the palace. They demanded N150k for each mining pit, but we complained that diamonds were not abundant in the area, and therefore we could not raise the amount. A few of us paid, while some promised to pay.

“Sixty-six of us were put in one cell. Six people are currently on admission. They did not torture us, but there was excessive heat.

“We complained that the cell was too small to accommodate all of us, but they did not listen to us. We watched our colleagues die, and even when we raised the alarm, they thought we were lying.

“We drank urine because we couldn’t access water due to heat. Some people died in the night while others died in the morning on Thursday.”

Another survivor, who identified himself as Aminu Sale (not his real name), said detainees were soaked in sweat while struggling for air inside the facility.

“We shared, in turns, a small window for ventilation. Many of my friends and relatives have fallen,” Sale said.

Some people are simply at risk due to circumstances beyond their control. How can 66 people be confined in a single cell? How do you expect them to live, let alone survive? These individuals deserve justice and accountability. Those involved must be proven guilty and severely punished for causing lives to be lost so recklessly. Life is precious and should be protected, not taken away so easily. It is truly unfortunate that such tragedies continue to happen. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the miners who have passed on. May they rest in perfect peace, and may God be with their loved ones during this difficult time.