The Federal Government has announced a ₦250 million support package for the families of the 37 young men who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the intervention during a condolence visit to the Niger State Government and the people of the state over the deaths.
Shettima described the incident as unfortunate and said the Federal Government shared the pain of the bereaved families while remaining committed to protecting every Nigerian without discrimination.
He said the deaths of the 37 men in NSCDC custody were a matter of national concern, stressing that every citizen deprived of liberty remained entitled to the protection of the state.
According to him, no allegation should diminish that entitlement, while anyone found responsible must be held accountable through due process.
Shettima said the Federal Government owed the bereaved families justice and answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths. He also commended Governor Umaru Bago for his efforts in seeking justice for the victims.
The Vice President, however, appealed to residents of Niger State not to politicise the tragedy or demonise the governor, urging them to remain fair to one another during the period of mourning.
Responding, Bago thanked Shettima for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of compassion and national solidarity with the people of Niger State.
The governor said the state government’s demand for justice was not an act of vengeance but a responsibility to ensure that citizens do not lose their lives in the custody of those entrusted with their protection.
Bago assured the Federal Government of the state’s cooperation with the investigative team constituted to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, stressing that the people of Niger State deserved answers and the families deserved justice.
He also pledged the state’s support for Federal Government efforts to regulate mining activities and protect national assets, while calling for greater investment in safe and legal economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the governor’s Principal Private Secretary, Emmanuel Umar, thanked the Vice President for the visit, saying his presence demonstrated solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Niger State.
He said the Federal Government’s intervention had renewed the affected families’ hope that their welfare and quest for justice were being taken seriously.