Daud Olatunji
The Federal Government has announced a ₦250 million support package for the families of the 37 young miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed the intervention on Monday during a condolence visit to Governor Umaru Bago and the people of Niger State over the deaths.
Shettima described the incident as a grave and unfortunate tragedy, saying the Federal Government shared the pain of the bereaved families and was committed to protecting every Nigerian, irrespective of circumstances.
The Vice President stressed that the deaths of the 37 men in custody had become a matter of national concern, insisting that citizens deprived of their liberty remained entitled to protection by the state.
He said allegations against the deceased could not be used to diminish their right to life and protection while in state custody.
According to him, those found responsible for the deaths must be made to account for their actions through due process.
Shettima said, “The Federal Government owes the bereaved families justice and answers over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.”
He also commended Governor Bago for his efforts to seek justice for the victims.
However, the Vice President appealed to residents of Niger State not to politicise the tragedy or use it as an opportunity to demonise the governor.
He urged the people to remain fair and restrained while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths continued.
Responding, Bago thanked the Vice President for visiting the state, describing the gesture as a demonstration of compassion and national solidarity with the people of Niger State.
The governor maintained that the state government’s demand for justice was not motivated by vengeance but by its responsibility to protect the dignity and rights of citizens.
Bago said it was unacceptable for citizens to lose their lives in the hands of those entrusted with their protection.
He assured the Federal Government that Niger State would cooperate with the investigative team constituted to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The governor insisted that the people of the state deserved answers, while the families of the deceased deserved justice.
He also pledged the state’s support for Federal Government efforts to regulate mining activities and safeguard national assets.
Bago called for greater investment in safe, lawful and dignified economic opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly those who depend on mining and other informal economic activities for their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Principal Private Secretary to the governor, Emmanuel Umar, thanked the Vice President for the condolence visit.
Umar said Shettima’s presence had demonstrated solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Niger State.
