Vice President Kashim Shettima has demanded accountability over the deaths of 37 miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State. He also announced ₦250 million in support for the families of the deceased as the investigation into the tragedy continues.
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 met with the Niger State Government and families affected by the tragedy. He also announced a ₦250 million support package for the families of the deceased.
The 37 miners died on September 17 while being held at the NSCDC Niger State Command in Minna following their arrest during operations against suspected illegal mining. The Niger State Government subsequently confirmed the death toll at 37.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation, with authorities yet to establish an official cause. The Federal Government has already constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee to determine what happened, establish the cause and manner of death, and determine whether negligence, misconduct or other breaches of duty occurred.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier ordered a full and transparent investigation, stressing that no Nigerian should lose their life in government custody through negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
The Federal Government also suspended officers connected with the incident pending the outcome of the investigation. The suspended officials include the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and personnel involved in the arrest, investigation, legal duties and supervision of the detention facility.
The independent committee, chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, has been mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, conduct appropriate medical and forensic examinations, and determine whether anyone should face disciplinary action or other consequences.
The committee has already commenced its investigation, including work by its medical team to determine the cause, mechanism and manner of the deaths. Officials have cautioned against reaching conclusions before the investigation and medical examinations are completed.
The deaths have generated significant concern among the victims’ families, rights groups and professional bodies. The Nigerian Bar Association called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation, while stressing that the 37 Nigerians were entitled to protection of their lives and dignity while in government custody.
The NSCDC has said it is cooperating with the investigation and would not shield anyone found culpable.
The Corps has also maintained that the circumstances of the deaths must be established through proper investigation and medical examination.
Shettima’s visit and the announced financial support come as the government faces growing demands from the families for answers, accountability and justice for the deceased.
The ₦250 million intervention is expected to provide immediate assistance to the affected families while the independent investigation continues to establish exactly what happened to the 37 miners in custody.