Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured families of the 37 suspected miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State that the Federal Government will establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and hold anyone found culpable accountable.

The Vice President gave the assurance on Monday, October 5, during a condolence visit to Minna, the Niger State capital, where he conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sympathies to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the bereaved families and the people of the state.

Shettima also announced a ₦250 million Federal Government support package for the families of the deceased.

The 37 suspected illegal miners died on September 17 after being detained by the NSCDC on suspicion of illegal mining. The cause and circumstances of their deaths have not yet been established, with an independent investigation ongoing.

Shettima said President Tinubu had directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident, leading to the establishment of a 10-member independent investigative committee and the suspension of officers connected with the incident pending the outcome of the probe.

“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.

The Vice President stressed that the administration would not prejudge the investigation but would ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were thoroughly established and responsibility determined.

“On President Tinubu’s directive, an independent investigative panel has been constituted to establish the facts, determine responsibility and lay the foundation for justice and closure,” he said.

He added that a citizen remained entitled to state protection even when deprived of liberty.

“No allegation, however grave, diminishes that entitlement. No uniform confers immunity from accountability,” Shettima said.

He further stated that the government’s responsibility extended beyond determining the immediate cause of the deaths.

“We owe justice to every soul lost, answers to every bereaved family and due process to every person under investigation. Whoever is found culpable must answer before the law. Our duty to you outlives this visit,” he said.

The independent committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, with former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, as secretary, was constituted to investigate the deaths and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.

The Federal Government has said the committee is expected to determine the identities of the deceased, examine their arrest and detention, establish the cause and circumstances of their deaths, determine responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct, and recommend appropriate action where necessary.

Shettima said the tragedy should remind the country that law enforcement and the protection of human dignity were mutually reinforcing responsibilities of government.

“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.

Thanking Governor Bago for supporting the pursuit of justice and providing care for those affected, the Vice President said every victim deserved dignity and every family deserved the truth.

Earlier, Governor Bago thanked the Vice President for visiting Niger State on behalf of President Tinubu, describing the visit as a demonstration of solidarity with the affected families.

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

The Governor said the occasion was primarily one of mourning and condolence, while expressing appreciation for the Federal Government’s response.

The Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Umar, also thanked the Vice President for visiting the affected families personally, saying his presence demonstrated the Federal Government’s solidarity with the people of Niger State.

Following his visit to Niger State, Shettima proceeded to Maiduguri, Borno State, where he condoled with Governor Babagana Zulum over the death of Amina (Inna) Zulum on Monday.

He prayed for the repose of her soul and for Allah to grant the family the strength to bear the loss.