By Emmanuel Ogbodo
The Human Rights Network in Nigeria has demanded the immediate rehabilitation of Abba Saidu, a survivor of the Abuja school explosion, instead of his continued detention.
Saidu, who underwent surgery at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, was reportedly arrested by the police immediately after his discharge.
The explosion, which occurred on January 6 at Modern Almajiri Tsangaya School in Kuchibuyi, Kubwa, claimed two lives and left Saidu and another survivor, Fauziyya Ilyasu, critically injured.
While Ilyasu was treated and discharged, Saidu was transferred to Gwagwalada for further care before being taken into custody.
Comrade Nura Muktar, leader of the Human Rights Network in the FCT, condemned the police’s actions, warning that detaining Saidu could worsen his physical and psychological trauma.
He stressed that the survivor requires urgent post-surgery care, not incarceration.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to meet with the school’s proprietor, Adamu Hashimu, who was arrested on the day of the explosion and is currently held at the former SARS headquarters in Abuja on allegations of child rights abuse and negligence.
The police have confirmed Saidu’s detention but have yet to disclose the reason for his arrest.
