By Abbanobi-Eku Onyeka
The Northern Senators Forum has joined the growing condemnation over the reported deaths of 37 young Nigerians in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, at the weekend, the Forum described the circumstances of the deaths, where the victims were reportedly confined in a small room and cried for help before choking to death, as deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
“No Nigerian, regardless of the allegation against him, should lose his life in the custody of an agency established to protect lives and property,” the Forum stated, insisting that the sanctity of human life and dignity of persons in custody must be upheld at all times.
The Forum demanded an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the entire chain of events, including who ordered the arrests, where the detainees were taken, who authorized their detention, whether the facility was fit for human habitation, and what action was taken when distress calls were made.
It called for the involvement of the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, credible civil society organisations and independent forensic experts in the probe, as well as independent autopsies for all 37 victims with family representatives and independent pathologists allowed to participate.
“If criminal negligence, unlawful detention, reckless conduct or any deliberate act contributed to these deaths, those responsible must be prosecuted, irrespective of their rank or position,” it said.
The Forum also called for a nationwide review of detention facilities operated by all security agencies.
While commiserating with the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State, the Forum commended the Federal Government for ordering a full enquiry and the Niger State Government for its proactive steps.
