Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Niger State on Monday to pay condolences to the families of 37 suspected miners who died mysteriously in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima announced a donation of N250 million to the victims' families. The miners died on September 17 while being detained by the NSCDC on suspicion of illegal mining.
The Federal Government has launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, assuring that it will get to the root of the tragedy and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable. President Tinubu had directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Shettima confirmed that a 10-member independent investigative committee has been constituted and officers connected with the incident have been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
Describing the incident as a stain on the nation's conscience, Shettima emphasized that the responsibility of government to protect the life and dignity of every Nigerian does not cease when a citizen is taken into custody. He stressed that the Tinubu administration would not prejudge the investigation but would ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are thoroughly established and responsibility determined.
The independent committee, inaugurated by the Federal Government, is mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence. The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, with former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN) serving as the secretary.
Shettima conveyed the sympathies of President Tinubu to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the bereaved families, and the people of Niger State. He prayed for God's mercy upon the departed and strength for their families to bear the loss. The vice president also thanked Governor Bago for supporting the pursuit of justice and providing care for those affected.
Governor Bago commended Shettima for visiting Niger State on behalf of the president, calling the gesture a powerful demonstration of empathy and solidarity with the affected families. Shettima noted that the Federal Government's response goes beyond determining the immediate cause of the deaths, emphasizing that accountability and due process remain fundamental obligations of the state.
The vice president maintained that the tragedy should serve as a reminder that law enforcement and the protection of human dignity are mutually reinforcing responsibilities of government. He reaffirmed the government's obligation to protect every citizen, without distinction or exception, and pledged that those found culpable would answer before the law.
Key points
- The Federal Government has donated N250 million to the families of the 37 miners who died in NSCDC custody.
- A 10-member independent investigative committee has been constituted to probe the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
- The government has suspended officers connected with the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.
