Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has condoled with the government and people of Niger State over the death of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The Vice President visited Minna to commiserate with Governor Umaru Bago, traditional rulers and families of the deceased over the tragic incident.
Speaking during the visit, Vice President Shettima described the deaths as painful tragedy and a matter of serious concern to the Nigerian Government.
He said the incident must not be politicised, stressing that the lives of citizens must be protected regardless of their ethnic, religious, political or social backgrounds.
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Vice President Shettima announced a donation of 250 million naira to support the families of the 37 victims and assist those affected by the incident.
He also promised that the Nigerian Government would thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible would face the law.
According to him, no person should be above accountability, particularly when citizens are under the care and custody of the state.
The Vice President said the government owed the bereaved families justice, answers and support, assuring them that the matter would not be left unattended.
He appealed to the people of Niger State to remain calm and allow the ongoing investigations to establish what happened and determine those responsible.
Vice President Shettima also commended Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Minna and other traditional and community leaders for their efforts in calming the situation and supporting the affected families.
Responding, Governor Umaru Bago thanked President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for visiting Niger State and for the financial support to the affected families.
Governor Bago said the visit demonstrated the concern and humanity of the Nigerian Government towards the people of Niger State.
He said the state had suffered several tragedies in recent times, including insecurity, banditry, mining-site incidents, road crashes and tanker explosions.
The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the 37 deceased and asked Allah to give their families the strength to bear the loss.
He also assured the Vice President that the Niger State Government would continue to cooperate with the Nigerian Government and relevant security agencies to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident were fully established.
The families of the 37 deceased were presented to Vice President Shettima during the visit.
