Niger 37: Shettima Unveils N250m Support For Victims’ Families

Vice President Kasim Shettima has said that death of 37 young men in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is “blood on the national conscience”.

He stated this at the Government House in Minna, Niger State, during a condolence visit to the government and people of the state over the death of the 37 miners in the custody of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

While saying that the federal government will give N250 million to support the families of the victims, vice president Shettima described the incident as unfortunate.

He said the federal government shares in the pain of the bereaved families and reiterated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained resolute in its obligations to protect every Nigerian.

Shettima said, “The death of 37 young men in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is a blood on our national conscience.

“A citizen deprived of liberty remains entitled to the protection of the state. No allegation, however great, diminishes that entitlement. No uniform compels immunity from accountability. We owe justice to every soul lost, answers to every bereaved family, and due process to every person under investigation,” he said.

The VP, therefore, commiserated with the families of the deceased, saying the incident should not be used to demonise the governor but to be fair to him in this hour of bereavement.

The governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago,in his response appreciated the vice president for the visit,which he said speaks volumes of the compassion and solidarity that binds the nation together in moments of grief.