The Federal Government has announced a ₦250 million support package for the families of the 37 victims who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the intervention during a condolence visit to the Niger State Government and the people of the state over the deaths.
Shettima described the incident as deeply unfortunate, saying the Federal Government shared the pain of the bereaved families and remained committed to protecting every Nigerian without discrimination.
He said the deaths of the 37 young men in NSCDC custody were a matter of national concern, stressing that every citizen deprived of liberty remained entitled to the protection of the state.
According to him, no allegation against a detainee should diminish that right, while anyone found responsible for wrongdoing must be held accountable through due process.
Shettima said the Federal Government owed the bereaved families justice and answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
While commiserating with the families, the Vice President commended Governor Umaru Bago for his efforts to seek justice for the victims.
He, however, appealed to the people of Niger State not to politicise the tragedy or demonise the governor, urging citizens to remain fair and united during the period of mourning.
Responding, Bago thanked the Vice President for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of compassion and national solidarity with the people of Niger State.
The governor said the state government’s demand for justice was not motivated by vengeance but by a moral responsibility to ensure that citizens did not lose their lives in the custody of those entrusted with their protection.
Bago assured the Federal Government of the state’s full cooperation with the investigative team constituted to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He stressed that the people of Niger State deserved answers, while the bereaved families deserved justice.
Shettima reiterated that anyone found responsible would be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The governor also pledged the state’s support for Federal Government efforts to regulate mining activities and protect national assets.
He called for greater investment in safe, legal and dignified economic opportunities for young Nigerians as part of efforts to address the underlying challenges surrounding illegal mining.
Meanwhile, the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Umar, thanked the Vice President for the visit, saying his presence demonstrated solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Niger State.
Umar said the Federal Government’s intervention had renewed the hope of the affected families that their welfare and quest for justice were being taken seriously.
