Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured families of 37 suspected miners who died in custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State that the Federal Government will get to the root of the tragedy.
The 37 persons died on September 17 after being detained by the NSCDC on suspicion of illegal mining.
Shettima gave the assurance on Monday during a condolence visit to Minna, where he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s sympathies to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the bereaved families and people of the state.
The Vice President announced a N250 million donation by the Federal Government to families of the deceased and said President Tinubu had directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
He said government had constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the DSS, Jonathan Kure, with former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, as secretary. Officers connected with the incident have been suspended pending outcome of the probe.
“The deaths of 37 young men in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps are a blot on our national conscience. No parent should receive a body when they are waiting for a son to come home,” Shettima said.
“A citizen deprived of liberty remains entitled to the protection of the state. No allegation, however grave, diminishes that entitlement. No uniform confers immunity from accountability.
“Whoever is found culpable must answer before the law. Our duty to you outlives this visit.”
Earlier, Governor Bago commended the Vice President for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of empathy and solidarity.
Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Umar, said the visit sends a powerful message that the Federal Government stands with its citizens.
After the trip to Niger, Vice President Shettima proceeded to Maiduguri to condole with Governor Babagana Zulum over the death of Amina (Inna) Zulum.
