Niger State Panel Proposes N1.4bn Compensation for Deaths

An independent ministerial committee investigating the deaths of 33 individuals in custody in Niger State has recommended a compensation package totaling N1.4 billion for the bereaved families and survivors. The committee, chaired by Jonathan Kure, presented its findings to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The proposed compensation includes N30 million for each of the 33 bereaved families and N10 million for each of the 41 survivors. Additionally, the committee suggested educational support for the dependants of the deceased, medical rehabilitation for survivors, psychological support for affected families, and a formal apology from the Federal Government.

The report identified the cause of fatalities as environmental asphyxia due to overcrowding, heat stress, and dehydration. It also noted that the operation leading to the arrests lacked an operational order or approval from the NSCDC national headquarters.

The committee called for administrative sanctions against personnel whose actions contributed to the incident.