Isiyaku Ahmed
The Nigeria Chapter of the International Human Rights Commission – Relief and Reconciliation Task Force (IHRC-RFT) has renewed its call for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons reportedly in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The call followed the emergence of new video footage purportedly showing events surrounding the incident, which the organization said raised fresh questions requiring urgent investigation.
In a statement signed by its Country Director, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the IHRC-RFT said one of the videos contained the account of a survivor who reportedly alleged that a chemical substance was sprayed inside the cell where the detainees were held.
According to IHRC-RFT, the footage also appeared to capture victims calling for the cell to be opened, while a staff member was allegedly heard responding, “Let them die.”
The IHRC-RFT described the allegations as serious and urged the relevant authorities to ensure that they were thoroughly investigated rather than ignored.
The rights group said particular attention should be given to officers responsible for guarding and supervising the cell, arguing that they could provide crucial information about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
It said investigators should establish who was present at the facility, what instructions were issued, the sequence of events leading to the deaths and whether any substance was introduced into the cell.
IHRC-RFT, however, stressed that its demand for investigation should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against any individual.
“This is not a conclusion of guilt against any individual. It is a call for a thorough investigation to establish the facts, identify responsibility where the evidence supports it, and ensure accountability,” it said.
The IHRC-RFT also said it would continue to monitor developments and transmit verified findings and relevant reports to its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, in the interest of truth, justice and human rights protection.
“Thirty-seven lives is not a small matter. The truth must come out,” Amb. Adamu said.
