Shettima Assures Families of 37 Miners of Justice, Accountability

Shettima Assures Families of 37 Miners of Justice, Accountability

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured the families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State that the Federal Government will thoroughly investigate the tragedy and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.

The 37 men reportedly died on September 17 after being detained by the NSCDC on suspicion of illegal mining. The circumstances and cause of their deaths are still subject to investigation.

Shettima gave the assurance on Monday during a condolence visit to Minna, where he conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sympathies to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the bereaved families and the people of Niger State.

The Vice President also announced a ₦250 million Federal Government donation to the families of the deceased, noting that President Tinubu had directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

He said the Federal Government had constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee and suspended officers connected with the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.

Describing the deaths as “a blot on our national conscience,” Shettima stressed that the government’s responsibility to protect the life and dignity of every Nigerian remains even when a citizen is in 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.

Shettima said the government would not prejudge the investigation but would ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were established and responsibility determined.

“Whoever is found culpable must answer before the law. Our duty to you outlives this visit,” the Vice President added.

He said the investigation would go beyond determining the immediate cause of the deaths to addressing accountability, due process and measures needed to prevent a recurrence.

The independent committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, serves as secretary.

Shettima also commended Governor Bago for his support to the affected families and the state’s cooperation in the pursuit of justice.

“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 said.

Earlier, Governor Bago thanked the Vice President for visiting the state on behalf of the President, describing the gesture as a demonstration of empathy and solidarity with the affected families.

He noted that President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima were out of the country when the incident occurred, with the President on annual leave and the Vice President representing Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly.

Also speaking, the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Umar, said the deaths had plunged the affected families, communities and the wider state into grief, adding that Shettima’s visit demonstrated the Federal Government’s solidarity with the victims’ families.

After concluding his visit to Niger State, Vice President Shettima proceeded to Maiduguri, Borno State, where he condoled with Governor Babagana Zulum over the death of his niece, Amina (Inna) Zulum.

Shettima prayed for the repose of her soul and asked Allah to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Shettima Assures Families of 37 Miners of Justice, Accountability