The Niger State Government has confirmed that 38 people died following the incident at a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) facility in Minna, with the families of the deceased receiving N5 million each as financial support.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the latest figures and presented cheques to representatives of the affected families during a ceremony in Minna on Monday. The state government also approved N2 million for each of 32 survivors recorded so far.
Bago explained that records from a committee headed by the state’s Deputy Governor showed that 37 people died while being held at the NSCDC facility. He said another person was killed by gunfire during the unrest that followed the incident, bringing the total number of deaths to 38.
The governor said the financial assistance was not intended to compensate for the lives lost but to provide some relief to families and survivors dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy.
“From the records we have so far from the Deputy Governor’s committee, we have a total number of 37 deaths at the facility,” Bago said, adding that an additional death during the riots brought the figure to 38.
He also disclosed that investigations remain ongoing, with additional people reportedly coming forward claiming they were among those arrested. Authorities are using forensic processes to verify such claims and establish the full number of people affected.
The development is significant because the deaths occurred after suspected illegal miners were taken into government custody, prompting concerns over detention conditions, accountability and the protection of citizens in state custody.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier ordered a full investigation into the incident, while the Federal Government constituted a 10-member independent committee and suspended NSCDC officers linked to the case.
Vice President Kashim Shettima subsequently announced an additional N250 million federal support package for the bereaved families and demanded answers over the deaths. Investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether any officials should face further action.
