Shettima pledges N250m for families of Niger miners' deaths

On October 6, Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed the Federal Government's commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding 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. During a condolence visit to Minna, he conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sympathies to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the bereaved families.

Shettima announced a N250 million donation from the Federal Government to support the families of the deceased. The miners died on September 17, and the exact circumstances of their deaths remain unclear.

Shettima stated that President Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation, which includes the formation of a 10-member independent investigative committee and the suspension of relevant officers pending the investigation's outcome. He emphasized the government's duty to protect citizens' lives and dignity, asserting that accountability must be upheld regardless of the allegations against individuals in custody.