Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for accountability following the deaths of 37 people who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Shettima also announced a N250 million federal government relief package for the families of those who died.
The Vice President made the disclosure on Monday during a condolence visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna, where he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s condolences to the people of the state.
Shettima said the incident should not be allowed to deepen political, religious or other divisions, emphasising that every Nigerian has a right 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.
