Nigeria: Miners death: FG donates N250m to bereaved families.

Nigeria - October 05, 2026 The Federal Government has donated N250 million to the families of the 37 suspected miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger. Vice President Kashim Shettima announce the donation on Monday during a condolence visit to the people and Government of Niger. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 37 persons died on Sept. 17 after being detained by the NSCDC on suspicion of illegal mining, with the cause of their deaths yet to be established. Shettima assured families of the victims that the federal government would get to the root of the tragedy and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable. He conveyed the sympathies of President Bola Tinubu to Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger, the bereaved families and the people of the state. Shettima recalled that Tinubu had directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident. He noted that government had constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee and suspended officers connected with the incident pending the outcome of the probe. He described the incident as a stain on the nation's conscience. Shettima said the responsibility of government to protect the life and dignity of every Nigerian does not cease when a citizen is taken into custody. “ 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,” he said. He stressed that the Tinubu administration would not prejudge the investigation, but would ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are thoroughly established and responsibility determined. “On President Tinubu's directive, an independent investigative panel has been constituted to establish the facts, determine responsibility and lay the foundation for justice and closure. “There can be no repose for leaders when lives are lost within the perimeter of their care. " 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,” Shettima said. He noted that the federal government's response goes beyond determining the immediate cause of the deaths, noting that accountability and due process remained the fundamental obligations of the state. “ We owe justice to every soul lost, answers to every bereaved family and due process to every person under investigation. " Whoever is found culpable must answer before the law. Our duty to you outlives this visit,” he added. Shettima said the tragedy should also serve as a reminder that law enforcement and the protection of human dignity are mutually reinforcing responsibilities of government. “We have come to you today without the togas of partisan politics. We come as sympathisers, as parents, as uncles and aunts, as brothers and sisters, and, above all, as leaders entrusted with your protection. “We have come to share your grief, to hear your concerns, to stand beside the bereaved and to reaffirm our obligation to protect every citizen, without distinction or exception,” he maintained. He thanked Bago for supporting the pursuit of justice and providing care for those affected. The vice president said, “Every victim deserves dignity, every survivor deserves care, and every family deserves the truth.” He prayed for God's mercy upon the departed and strength for their families to bear the loss. Earlier, Bago commended the vice president for visiting Niger on behalf of the President. He described the gesture a powerful demonstration of empathy and solidarity with the affected families. " Both the President and vice president were out of the country when the incident struck, with President Tinubu on annual leave. " While Vice President Shettima was representing Nigeria at the UN General Assembly." NAN reports that upon the completion of his trip to Niger, VP Shettima proceeded to Maiduguri, Borno to condole with Gov. Babagana Zulum over the demise of Amina (Inna) Zulum who died this morning. The vice president prayed Allah to grant her soul eternal rest, reward her with Aljana Firdaus and grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.