Vice President Kashim Shettima has demanded accountability over the deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Shettima also announced the federal government’s donation of N250 million to the families of the victims.
He spoke on Monday during a condolence visit to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna, where he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s sympathy to the people of the state.
Shettima said the tragedy should transcend political, religious and other divisions, stressing that every citizen was entitled to the protection of the state.
“The death of 37 young men in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps calls for initial questions,” he said.
According to him, “Grief alone cannot answer the questions of bereaved families. A grieving mother cannot be consoled by grief, nor can grief answer a father’s questions,”
The Vice President said no organisation could diminish a citizen’s right to protection, adding that those responsible must provide answers.
“There can be no room for hiding leaders when lives are lost within the perimeter of their sphere,” he said.
Shettima also cautioned against politicising the deaths or using the tragedy to demonise Governor Bago.
He stated, “We should avoid weaponizing the parties that have departed to demonise Governor Bago. He had no hand in what has befallen their lives.”
The VP noted that every victim deserved dignity, survivors deserved care, while families deserved the truth about what happened.
Earlier, Bago thanked Shettima for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of empathy and solidarity with the families and people of Niger.
The governor said the state had suffered several tragedies, including insecurity, mining incidents and petrol tanker explosions, but expressed confidence that God would not abandon Niger.
He also invited relatives of some of the deceased to stand in recognition during the visit.
Speaking with some families of victims, they expressed joy at the visit saying, it goes to show that the federal government is concerned about its citizens.
37 deaths: Shettima demands answers, announces N250m for victims’ families