Susan Abayomi
The Federal Government has announced a ₦250 million support package for the families of 37 people who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed the intervention during a condolence visit to the Niger State Government and residents over the deaths.
Shettima described the incident as unfortunate and said the Federal Government shared the grief of the affected families while reaffirming its responsibility to protect the rights and lives of all Nigerians.
According to him, the deaths of the 37 young men in NSCDC custody had become a matter of national concern, stressing that every citizen deprived of liberty remained entitled to state protection.
He maintained that allegations against any detainee could not diminish that right, adding that anyone found responsible for wrongdoing must be held accountable through due process.
The Vice President said the Federal Government owed the bereaved families justice and clear answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Shettima also commiserated with the families and commended Niger State Governor Umaru Bago for his efforts to pursue justice for the victims.
He, however, urged residents not to politicise the tragedy or unfairly blame the governor, calling on all parties to maintain fairness and restraint during the period of mourning.
Responding, Bago thanked the Vice President for visiting the state, describing the gesture as an expression of compassion and national solidarity with the affected families and the people of Niger State.
The governor said the state government’s demand for justice was not motivated by vengeance but by its responsibility to ensure that citizens do not lose their lives while under the care of security agencies.
Bago assured the Federal Government that Niger State would cooperate fully with the investigative team set up to determine what led to the deaths.
He stressed that the people of the state deserved answers while the families of the deceased deserved justice.
The governor also pledged the state’s cooperation with Federal Government efforts to regulate mining activities and safeguard national assets. He called for increased investment in safe, lawful and dignified economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the Principal Private Secretary to the governor, Emmanuel Umar, expressed appreciation to Shettima for the condolence visit, saying his presence demonstrated solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Niger State.
Umar said the Federal Government’s intervention had renewed the families’ hope that their welfare and pursuit of justice were receiving serious attention.
