APM condemns death of 37 Nigerians in NSCDC custody, demands probe
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has denounced the recent deaths of 37 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. The party is calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding these fatalities, particularly in light of reports that 66 individuals were confined to a single cell for over two days.
In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Yusuf Abubakar, APM expressed grave concerns regarding the treatment of individuals in detention. “The avoidable death of these citizens, who reportedly endured inhumane conditions in a government facility, underscores the disregard the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration exhibits toward human life,” Abubakar stated.
The party dismissed the explanation that the deceased were illegal miners who succumbed to a suspected disease outbreak, arguing that this rationale fails to address the adverse conditions in which the detainees were held prior to their deaths. APM contended that it is unacceptable for 66 individuals to be kept in a single cell, where 37 allegedly perished from extreme heat after being sprayed with an unidentified substance.
The APM highlighted that the incident is particularly troubling given the ongoing security challenges faced by Nigerians, including threats from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and armed robbers. The party emphasized that government agencies should prioritize the protection of citizens rather than endanger them.
“This is not the Nigeria we dream of,” Abubakar remarked.
Additionally, APM condemned the reported deployment of ammunition and tear gas by security forces against citizens protesting the deaths. The party cautioned that the use of force could exacerbate the situation and lead to further loss of life.
“We demand a prompt, open, transparent, and unrestricted investigation into the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the deaths at the NSCDC facility and the reported response to protesters,” the statement read.
The APM insisted on the necessity of upholding the dignity and safety of citizens, regardless of the context of their detention. “The lives of citizens must be treated with dignity, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The death of individuals in detention facilities cannot be rationalized under any circumstances,” the party asserted.
The APM extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State, urging Nigerians to maintain calm as investigations proceed into this incident.
