Peter Obi condemns deaths of 37 detainees in NSCDC custody, demands answers

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, describing the incident as deeply troubling and demanding urgent answers on the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Obi stated this in a statement titled “Let’s Begin to Give Dignity to Human Lives in Our Land”, in which he said the deceased were suspects who, regardless of the offences they were accused of committing, remained entitled to humane treatment while due process took its course.

“The death of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, is a deeply troubling tragedy that demands urgent answers.

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“These were persons who had been arrested as suspects. Whatever offence they were suspected of committing, they were still human beings, and the responsibility of the State was to keep them alive, safe, and treated humanely while due process took its course,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor said it was particularly disturbing that such a large number of people could die in a place of detention within a short period.

While investigations were ongoing into the cause of the deaths, including reports concerning disease, overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, Obi said Nigerians deserved a transparent, independent and credible investigation to establish exactly what happened.

He said the incident also highlighted the need to view security beyond the arrest of suspects.

“This tragedy also reminds us that security is not merely about arresting people. Security is about protecting lives, upholding the dignity of every citizen, and ensuring that the institutions entrusted with our safety operate within the law,” he said.

Obi said a country could not claim to value human life if people entered government custody alive and died without immediate, transparent and credible accountability.

He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and urged the authorities to ensure that justice was done.

“Nigeria must become a country where the rule of law protects every citizen, not only those who are free but also those who are in custody,” he said.

Obi prayed for strength for the bereaved families as they mourned their loved ones.