Niger Mining Tragedy: FG Approves ₦250m for Families as Bago Gives ₦5m Each to 37 Victims’ Families

Niger Mining Tragedy: FG Approves ₦250m for Families as Bago Gives ₦5m Each to 37 Victims’ Families

PC: Channel 

The Federal Government has announced a ₦250 million support package for the families of 37 artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The intervention was announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a condolence visit to the Niger State Government and the people of the state over the deaths.

The development came as the Niger State Government announced its own financial intervention, with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago presenting ₦5 million each to the families of the 37 deceased miners and ₦2 million each to 32 survivors.

The cheques were presented to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago, at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Minna on Monday.

Speaking during the condolence visit, Shettima described the deaths as unfortunate and a matter of national concern.

He said the Federal Government shares the pain of the bereaved families, stressing that every Nigerian deprived of liberty remains entitled to the protection of the state, regardless of the allegations against them.

According to the Vice President, the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be thoroughly established, and those found responsible must be held accountable through due process.

“No allegation should diminish that entitlement,” Shettima said, emphasising that the Federal Government owes the affected families justice and answers.

He commended Governor Bago for his efforts to seek justice for the victims but appealed to residents not to politicise the tragedy or demonise the governor.

Responding, Bago thanked the Vice President for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of compassion and national solidarity with Niger State.

The governor said the state government’s demand for justice was not an act of vengeance but a moral responsibility to ensure that citizens do not lose their lives in the hands of those entrusted with their protection.

Bago assured the Federal Government that Niger State would cooperate fully with the investigative team constituted to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

He said the people of the state deserved answers while the families of the deceased deserved justice.

The governor also pledged the state’s support for the Federal Government's efforts to regulate mining activities and protect national assets, while calling for greater investment in safe, legal, and dignified economic opportunities for young Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Umar, thanked the Vice President for the condolence visit.

Umar said Shettima’s presence demonstrated solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Niger State, adding that the Federal Government’s intervention had renewed the families’ hope that their welfare and demand for justice were being taken seriously.

The deaths have continued to generate public concern, with authorities under pressure to establish what happened to the miners while they were in NSCDC custody and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing uncovered.