Shettima Announces ₦250 Million for Families of 37 Dead

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced ₦250 million in Federal Government support for the families of 37 people who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), during a condolence visit to Niger State on October 5. Shettima said the deaths demanded answers and that anyone found responsible should be held accountable through due process. The deaths occurred in NSCDC custody in Minna. Those who died were described in reports as suspected illegal miners. The cause and circumstances of their deaths have not been established in the available reports, and no findings were provided during Shettima’s visit. Shettima conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the bereaved families and residents. He said the government’s support was intended for families directly affected, while acknowledging that money could not make up for the loss or answer their questions. He also said that a person accused of an offence remained entitled to protection by the state while in custody. The vice president urged that the deaths not be used to target Bago.