FG announces ₦250m support package for families of 37 miners who died in NSCDC custody

The Federal Government has released a ₦250 million support package for the families of 37 young men who lost their lives while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the financial assistance on Monday during a condolence visit to Minna, the Niger State capital. Meeting with Governor Umaru Bago, state leaders, and grieving relatives, Shettima conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s sympathies and pledged that justice would be served.

The 37 victims died on September 17 after being arrested by NSCDC officers over alleged illegal mining activities. Recall, after the incident, thePresident Tinubu approved a 10-member independent investigative panel headed by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure. Security officers linked to the incident have also been suspended while the panel conducts its inquiry.

This ₦250 million federal relief comes alongside assistance from the Niger State Government, which previously disbursed ₦5 million to each deceased victim’s family and ₦2 million to survivors.

Addressing the gathering in Minna, Vice President Shettima emphasized that the state owes every citizen protection, even when they are under arrest.

“A citizen deprived of liberty remains entitled to the protection of the state. No allegation, however grave, diminishes that entitlement. No uniform confers immunity from accountability,” Shettima stated.

Governor Umaru Bago welcomed the Vice President’s visit and reiterated that seeking justice is not about revenge, but about safeguarding human life.