Social crusader and activist Idris Abubakar has called for a thorough investigation into the Niger State custody tragedy, demanding that all officers found responsible be held accountable. The incident resulted in the deaths of 33 detainees, including 14 minors, as confirmed by the Federal Government's investigative committee. Abubakar stressed that the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including overcrowding, poor ventilation, excessive heat, and dehydration, raised serious questions about the treatment of detainees and the failure of institutional safeguards.
Abubakar emphasized that suspected involvement in illegal mining did not diminish the rights of the victims, and that government agencies had a responsibility to protect everyone in their custody. He cautioned against rushing to blame the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, without establishing his direct involvement in the operation. Abubakar cited reported findings that the NSCDC national headquarters was not informed before the operation commenced, arguing that this should be considered in determining whether Audi personally authorized it.
However, Abubakar maintained that the Commandant-General still had a responsibility to ensure effective supervision and oversight of the Corps, and that any proven failure at that level must also attract accountability. He stressed that responsibility should be determined by evidence rather than public anger, noting that the distinction between leading a national institution and directly supervising individual operations was important in establishing who authorized the operation and who was responsible for the conditions in which the detainees were held.
Abubakar called for answers on several key issues, including when the national headquarters was informed, whether there had been previous complaints about the detention facility, and whether adequate inspection and reporting procedures were in place. He warned against limiting accountability to the removal of one official, arguing that operational officers, supervisors, and senior commanders whose actions or omissions contributed to the tragedy should also face scrutiny.
The activist urged the government to implement comprehensive reforms in detention procedures, including regular inspections, enforceable capacity limits, proper custody records, adequate ventilation, access to water and medical attention, and stronger safeguards for minors. He also called for appropriate support for the bereaved families and survivors, insisting that officers found culpable must face disciplinary and judicial processes.
Abubakar emphasized that the central issue should not merely be whether Prof. Audi should be replaced, but whether the government is prepared to establish the truth, punish those responsible, and prevent a recurrence. He added that the victims deserved justice, their families deserved answers, and survivors deserved a system that protects rather than endangers people in custody.
Abubakar's comments come as the government faces mounting pressure to address the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of detainees and the need for comprehensive reforms in detention procedures.
Key points
- Activist Idris Abubakar calls for thorough investigation into Niger State custody tragedy
- 33 detainees, including 14 minors, died in Niger State custody due to overcrowding, poor ventilation, and dehydration
- Abubakar demands justice for victims, accountability at all levels, and comprehensive reforms in detention procedures
