From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The CREAP Africa Initiative has called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons who reportedly died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The deceased were reportedly arrested in connection with alleged illegal mining activities.
Executive Director of CREAP Africa Initiative, Sylvanus Udoenoh, in a statement on Monday said the circumstances surrounding the deaths raised serious public concerns, particularly amid conflicting accounts on the possible causes.
Udoenoh said while an initial account suggested a possible disease outbreak, survivors reportedly attributed the deaths to severe overcrowding and inadequate ventilation at the detention facility.
He therefore called for a credible investigation to establish the actual cause and manner of each death, as well as the conditions under which the detainees were held.
“Thirty-seven lives have been lost in circumstances that have left families grieving and a nation demanding answers.
“We must resist the temptation to prejudge the investigation, but neither should we allow the matter to disappear into another administrative file,” he said.
According to him, the investigation should determine whether detention procedures, medical screening and custodial standards were followed and whether any officer or other person breached established procedures.
He also urged authorities to investigate allegations of extortion, mistreatment and denial of basic necessities reportedly made by relatives and survivors, as well as establish the chain of command responsible for decisions concerning the detention facility.
The group said where evidence establishes criminal responsibility or serious misconduct, those responsible, irrespective of rank or position, should face prosecution in accordance with the law.
CREAP said the suspension of officials was an important administrative step but should not be allowed to substitute for accountability.
The organisation also condemned the violence that reportedly followed the deaths, saying citizens had the right to demand answers, grieve, assemble peacefully and seek accountability, but that destruction of property, arson and attacks on innocent residents could not be justified as legitimate protest.
It further called for an independent investigation into reports that security personnel used tear gas and live rounds during the protests.
“The protection of citizens cannot mean protecting citizens from one another while exposing them to unlawful state action,” Udoenoh said.
CREAP urged the Niger State Government to ensure that any restrictions imposed in response to the unrest were lawful, necessary, proportionate and time-bound.
It also called on the Federal Government, Ministry of Interior, NSCDC leadership and relevant oversight bodies to preserve medical, documentary, custodial and digital evidence relating to the incident and publish the findings of the investigation.
The organisation further demanded support and timely information for the families of the deceased, individual accountability for anyone found culpable, and a broader review of custodial practices within the NSCDC and other law-enforcement institutions.
While acknowledging the need for authorities to tackle illegal mining, CREAP said enforcement must be conducted within the framework of the law and accompanied by livelihood opportunities, community engagement and environmental protection.
The group said the Niger State tragedy should serve as a turning point for stronger custodial safeguards, accountable law enforcement and greater respect for human rights.
(The Sun)
