FG Donates N250m to Families of ‘37 Miners’ Who Died in NSCDC Custody

The Federal Government has announced N250 million in financial support for the families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the support on Monday during a condolence visit to Minna, where he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s sympathies to the families, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the people of the state.

The 37 men died on September 17 after being detained by the NSCDC over allegations of illegal mining. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.

Shettima said the Federal Government would get to the root of the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

He disclosed that President Tinubu had directed a comprehensive investigation and that a 10-member independent investigative committee had been constituted to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The government also suspended officers linked to the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.

Describing the deaths as a serious matter of national concern, Shettima said citizens remained entitled to the protection of the state even when they were in custody.

He said the government would not prejudge the investigation but would ensure that the facts were established and responsibility determined.

The Vice President urged the bereaved families to remain assured that the government would pursue justice and provide answers concerning what happened to their relatives.

The Federal Government had earlier directed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to establish an independent committee to investigate the reported deaths. The committee was inaugurated in September with a mandate to determine the root cause of the incident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.

Meanwhile, Niger State Governor Umar Bago thanked the Federal Government for its intervention and condolence visit.

The state government has also announced financial assistance for the affected families and survivors as investigations continue.

Shettima said the government’s responsibility extended beyond financial assistance, stressing the need to establish the truth, ensure accountability and protect the dignity of citizens.

The Vice President later proceeded to Maiduguri, Borno State, to condole with Governor Babagana Zulum over the death of his mother.