VP Shettima Condoles Niger State Over Miners' Deaths

On October 5, 2026, Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, arrived in Minna, the capital of Niger State, for a condolence visit after the deaths of 37 artisanal gold miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) last month. He was welcomed by Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, and the state All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Aminu Musa Bobi, along with other government officials.

During his visit, Shettima is tasked with ensuring that President Bola Tinubu's directive for an immediate investigation into the miners' deaths is executed thoroughly. The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak; however, its national headquarters stated that the cause of death has not been conclusively determined and requires medical and laboratory confirmation.