Vice President demands answers over deaths in NSCDC custody, assures bereaved families of accountability as Niger Government pledges cooperation with independent probe

MINNA, Niger State — Vice President Kashim Shettima has visited Minna to commiserate with the Niger State Government, Governor Umaru Bago and families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, conveyed the Federal Government’s condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Niger State over the tragedy, which has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

During the visit, the Vice President announced a ₦250 million Federal Government support package for the families of the deceased, acknowledging that while financial assistance cannot erase the pain of losing loved ones, it is intended to provide some immediate support to those left behind.

Shettima also gave the families an assurance that the government would not allow the circumstances surrounding the deaths to be ignored.

He said the Federal Government would get to the root of the tragedy and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with due process.

The deaths occurred after the men were detained by the NSCDC in connection with allegations of illegal mining. The circumstances and cause of the deaths remain subject to investigation.

For the families, the issue goes beyond the financial assistance announced by the Federal Government. They are seeking answers about what happened to their relatives while they were in state custody.

Shettima stressed that the fact that the deceased were suspected of illegal mining did not remove the state’s responsibility to protect them while they were detained.

According to him, every citizen deprived of liberty remains entitled to the protection of the state, regardless of the allegations against them.

Independent panel already investigating

The Federal Government had earlier constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee to determine how the 37 people died and establish responsibility where wrongdoing, negligence or misconduct is found.

The committee, chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, was given a two-week mandate to investigate the arrests, detention and deaths and make recommendations, including possible compensation and measures to prevent a recurrence.

The panel has since commenced its work, including plans to visit relevant locations and engage survivors, suspects and others with information about the incident.

Several NSCDC officers connected with the incident were also suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Shettima cautions against politicising tragedy

During his visit, Shettima appealed to Nigerians not to politicise the deaths or use the incident to demonise Governor Bago.

He said the focus should remain on establishing what happened, providing justice to the families and ensuring that any person found responsible faces the consequences of their actions through due process.

Governor Bago, on his part, pledged the Niger State Government’s cooperation with the investigation as authorities seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The tragedy has already prompted renewed scrutiny of custodial practices, the treatment of suspects and the safety of people detained by security agencies.

For the families of the 37 deceased men, however, the immediate demand remains straightforward: they want to know how their loved ones died and who, if anyone, should be held responsible.

The ₦250 million intervention is expected to provide financial relief, but the ongoing investigation will determine whether it also leads to the answers and accountability the families have demanded.