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.
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