The Federal Government has announced a N250 million donation to the families of the 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the donation on Monday during a condolence visit to Minna,……
The Federal Government has announced a N250 million donation to the families of the 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the donation on Monday during a condolence visit to Minna, where he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s sympathies to the bereaved families, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the people of the state.
The 37 men died on September 17 after they were detained by the NSCDC over allegations of illegal mining, with the circumstances surrounding their deaths still under investigation.
Shettima said the federal government had directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident and would ensure that anyone found responsible was held accountable.
He noted that President Tinubu had approved the constitution of a 10-member independent investigative committee and the suspension of officers linked to the incident pending the outcome of the probe.
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Describing the deaths as “a blot on our national conscience,” the Vice President said the government had a duty to protect citizens even when they were in custody.
“The deaths of 37 young men in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps are a blot on our national conscience. No parent should receive a body when they are waiting for a son to come home,” he said.
Shettima stressed that the government would not prejudge the outcome of the investigation but would ensure that the facts surrounding the deaths were established and responsibility determined.
“On President Tinubu’s directive, an independent investigative panel has been constituted to establish the facts, determine responsibility and lay the foundation for justice and closure,” he said.
According to him, being detained by security agencies does not remove a citizen’s right to state protection.
“There can be no repose for leaders when lives are lost within the perimeter of their care. A citizen deprived of liberty remains entitled to the protection of the state. No allegation, however grave, diminishes that entitlement. No uniform confers immunity from accountability,” Shettima said.
He added that the federal government’s response would go beyond identifying the immediate cause of the deaths to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
“We owe justice to every soul lost, answers to every bereaved family and due process to every person under investigation. Whoever is found culpable must answer before the law. Our duty to you outlives this visit,” he said.
The investigative committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, is mandated to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, serves as secretary of the committee.
Shettima said the incident should reinforce the need for law enforcement agencies to uphold human dignity while carrying out their duties.
“We have come to share your grief, to hear your concerns, to stand beside the bereaved and to reaffirm our obligation to protect every citizen, without distinction or exception,” he said.
He also thanked Governor Bago for his support in the pursuit of justice and care for those affected by the incident.
“Every victim deserves dignity, every survivor deserves care, and every family deserves the truth,” the Vice President said.
Earlier, Governor Bago commended Shettima for visiting the state on behalf of the President, describing the visit as a demonstration of empathy and solidarity with the affected families.
The governor said the President and Vice President were both outside the country when the incident occurred, with Tinubu on annual leave and Shettima representing Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly.
He said the message from the President had been clearly conveyed to the victims’ families and the people of Niger State.
“However, your message has been delivered clearly to the families and the people of the Niger State that upon your return, insha Allah, you are here today. You have made it; we thank you,” Bago stated.
The Principal Private Secretary to the governor, Emmanuel Umar, said the deaths had plunged the affected families, communities and the state into grief.
Umar said Shettima’s presence demonstrated the federal government’s solidarity with the victims’ families.
“We are particularly grateful that you have chosen to come in person. Your presence sends a powerful message of solidarity to the affected families and to all the people of Niger State, that the federal government, led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, stands with its citizens,” he said.
Following his visit to Niger State, Shettima proceeded to Maiduguri, Borno State, to condole with Governor Babagana Zulum over the death of his mother, Amina (Inna) Zulum.
