NSCDC CUSTODY DEATHS: MINNA EMIRATE YOUTH FORUM DISTANCES SELF FROM PLANNED PROTEST

The Minna Emirate Traditional Youth Chiefs Forum has dissociated itself from plans by some youths to stage a protest in Minna over the deaths of 37 persons who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Salihu Garba, the Wakilin Samarin Minna, and National Vice Chairman North Central of the Traditional Youth Chiefs Forum, the Forum said it deeply mourns the deceased and extends condolences to their families.

It described the circumstances surrounding the deaths as deeply disturbing and deserving of a thorough, transparent and credible investigation.

However, the Forum said in the interest of peace, public safety and protection of lives and property, it will not be part of any protest that may threaten public order or give hoodlums opportunity to cause destruction in Minna.

It urged residents, particularly youths, not to participate in any gathering that could degenerate into violence, destruction of property, confrontation with security agencies, or disruption of peace.

The Forum stressed that its position is not a rejection of the demand for justice, but a call for justice to be pursued through peaceful and lawful means.

It noted that authorities have already commenced formal processes to establish the facts, as the Niger State Government has constituted a Judicial Commission of Inquiry, while the Federal Government has also inaugurated an independent investigative committee on the directive of the President.

The Forum therefore called on residents to allow the investigations to run their course, and urged the investigative bodies to work with independence, transparency, fairness and urgency, and make their findings public.

It further appealed to parents, traditional leaders, youth and community leaders to counsel young people against acts that could expose them to arrest, injury or loss of life.

According to the Forum, and I quote, “Minna must not become another victim of this tragedy. We cannot honour those who lost their lives by allowing more lives to be endangered through violence,” end of quote.

The Forum called on all youths and residents to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while investigations continue.