From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Sarkin Hausawan Tukulma in Gombe State and President of the Arewar Mu Duniyar Mu African Chiefdom and Council, Ambassador Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna, has called for an independent investigation into the reported deaths of 37 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The detainees were reportedly arrested in connection with alleged illegal mining activities.
In a statement, Haruna said the circumstances surrounding the deaths required urgent clarification, particularly following reports that the number of deceased detainees initially put at 33 was later revised to 37.
He said an independent and transparent investigation was necessary to establish the facts and determine the circumstances that led to the deaths.
“This call is not an accusation, nor is it intended to cause tension. It is a call for justice, truth, respect for the rule of law and protection of human lives,” he said.
Haruna urged the authorities to investigate the conditions under which the detainees were held, including the duration of their detention and the treatment they received while in custody.
He said the probe should determine whether the detainees had access to adequate food, proper ventilation and medical attention, as well as establish the circumstances surrounding the death of each person.
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The traditional ruler also called for comprehensive medical and forensic examinations to determine the precise causes of death and provide credible evidence for any necessary legal action.
He cautioned against making premature conclusions, saying qualified professionals should be allowed to establish the facts through a credible investigation.
Haruna further urged the authorities to provide the families of the deceased with accurate information about their relatives’ arrest, detention, condition and eventual deaths.
He said anyone found to have violated the law or infringed on the rights of the detainees should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
He also called on the Federal Government to strengthen safeguards for detainees and ensure that their fundamental rights were protected throughout the detention process.
Haruna appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, stressing the need for the relevant authorities to investigate the matter without interference.
He expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls, while urging authorities to ensure justice, transparency and peace in Niger State and the country at large.