By Anayo Akwitti
The Northern Senators Forum has demanded an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the reported deaths of 37 young Nigerians in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The senators, in a statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, described the circumstances surrounding the deaths as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”
According to the Forum, the victims were reportedly confined in a small room where they cried for help before allegedly choking to death.
The senators said no Nigerian, irrespective of the allegation against them, should lose their life while in the custody of an agency established to protect lives and property.
“The sanctity of human life and the dignity of every person in custody must be upheld at all times,” the Forum said.
The Northern Senators Forum called for an investigation covering the entire chain of events leading to the deaths.
It specifically demanded answers on who ordered the arrests, where the detainees were taken, who authorised their detention at the facility and whether the room was fit for human habitation.
The Forum also wants investigators to establish when distress calls were made, who received them, what actions were taken and the precise circumstances surrounding the death of each victim.
It called for the involvement of the National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Bar Association, credible civil society organisations and independent forensic experts in the investigation.
The senators further demanded independent autopsies for all 37 victims, with representatives of the families and independent pathologists allowed to participate.
They said anyone found culpable of criminal negligence, unlawful detention, reckless conduct or deliberate acts that contributed to the deaths should be prosecuted, regardless of rank or position.
The Forum also called for a nationwide review of detention facilities operated by security agencies to prevent similar incidents.
“This tragedy must also trigger a nationwide review of detention facilities operated by all security agencies to ensure that no Nigerian is ever again placed in a situation where a cry for help becomes a cry that nobody answers,” the senators said.
The Forum commended the Federal Government for ordering a full and independent inquiry into the incident and praised the Niger State Government for steps taken so far, including support for the affected families and cooperation with investigators.
The Northern Senators Forum expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State, praying for the repose of the victims’ souls.
