Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Niger State on Monday to convey President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's condolences to the families of 37 miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, expressed the Federal Government's sympathy to the bereaved families and the people of Niger State. The visit was to demonstrate the government's empathy and solidarity with the affected families. Shettima was accompanied by other government officials during the visit to the Government House in Minna.
President Tinubu has absolved Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of responsibility for the deaths of the 37 miners. According to Shettima, the NSCDC is a Federal Government agency and not under the control of the Niger State Government. The President also announced a N250 million donation to the families of the deceased as part of efforts to cushion the hardship arising from the loss. The donation is intended to help ease the burden on the bereaved families, although Shettima noted that no amount of resources could equate the lives lost.
Shettima emphasized that the deaths demanded answers and assured that an independent panel had been constituted by the Federal Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The panel's investigation aims to determine the cause of the incident and identify those responsible. Shettima stressed that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law. The government has promised to pursue the investigation and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.
The Vice President warned people and groups against using the deaths to attack Governor Bago, saying the governor had no role in the incident. Shettima urged Nigerians to avoid politicizing the tragedy and instead focus on finding solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future. He emphasized that every Nigerian was entitled to the protection of the state, regardless of political, religious, or other affiliations.
Governor Bago appreciated Shettima for visiting the state on behalf of President Tinubu, describing the visit as a demonstration of empathy and solidarity with the affected families. The governor noted that Tinubu was outside the country on vacation when the incident occurred, while Shettima was in New York representing the President at the United Nations General Assembly. This was the reason for the late visitation to the families of the deceased miners.
The Niger State Government had also constituted a committee to investigate the incident, headed by the deputy governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba. The Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk, was a member of the committee. The state government would also present palliatives to the families of the deceased. Governor Bago lamented that Niger State had suffered several tragedies in recent times, including insecurity, mining-related incidents, and petrol tanker explosions.
Families of some of the victims expressed appreciation for Shettima's visit, describing it as a demonstration that the Federal Government was concerned about their plight. The government has promised to provide support to the bereaved families and ensure that justice is served. The incident has highlighted the need for improved safety measures and accountability in the mining sector.
Key points
- President Tinubu announced a N250 million donation to the families of the deceased miners.
- An independent panel has been constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
- The Federal Government has absolved Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of responsibility for the deaths of the 37 miners.
