Vice President Kashim Shettima has demanded answers over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Shettima made the demand on Monday during a condolence visit to Minna, where he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s sympathies to the Niger State Government and families of the deceased. He also announced N250 million in Federal Government support for the bereaved families.
The victims died on September 17 after being arrested during operations targeting suspected illegal mining around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation.
Shettima said the deaths raised serious questions, particularly because the victims were in government custody when they died. He stressed that the government had a responsibility to protect citizens regardless of the allegations against them.
“The death of 37 young men in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps calls for initial questions,” Shettima said.
The Vice President said the financial assistance could not replace the lives lost or provide all the answers sought by grieving families. He called for accountability and urged that the tragedy should not be politicised or used to unfairly blame Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
The Federal Government had earlier constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the arrests, detention conditions and circumstances surrounding the deaths. Several NSCDC officers were also suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The development is significant because it places renewed attention on accountability, detainee welfare and the conduct of security operations in Nigeria. It also comes amid concerns over illegal mining and the enforcement measures being deployed to tackle the activity.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has also announced financial support for affected families, while investigations continue to establish what caused the deaths and determine whether any officials should face further sanctions.
