Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday demanded answers over the death of 37 miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
Shettima, who visited Minna to commiserate with the Niger State Government and families of the deceased, said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must not be swept under the carpet.
The Vice President spoke at the Niger State Government House, where he was received by Governor Umaru Bago and members of the State Executive Council.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Shettima announced a N250 million Federal Government donation to support the families of the victims.
He said the tragedy should rise above political, religious and other divisions, stressing that every Nigerian 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,” Shettima said.
He added, “A grieving mother cannot be consoled by grief, nor can grief answer a father’s questions.”
The Vice President insisted that no organisation should diminish the right of any citizen to protection, stressing that those responsible for the deaths must provide answers.
“There can be no room for hiding for leaders when lives are lost within the perimeter of their sphere,” he said.
Shettima, however, cautioned against using the tragedy to attack Governor Bago, saying the governor had no role in the circumstances that led to the deaths.
“We should avoid weaponising the departed to demonise Governor Bago. He had no hand in what has befallen their lives,” he said.
He said every victim deserved dignity, survivors deserved care, while the families deserved the truth about what happened.
Earlier, Bago thanked Shettima for visiting the state on behalf of the President, describing the visit as a demonstration of empathy and solidarity with the affected families.
The governor noted that President Tinubu and Shettima were outside the country when the incident occurred, with Tinubu on vacation and Shettima representing Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly.
Bago said the President’s message had been conveyed to the victims’ families and the people of Niger State.
He lamented the series of tragedies that had hit the state in recent times, including insecurity, mining-related incidents and petrol tanker explosions.
The governor later invited relatives of some of the deceased to stand in recognition during the meeting.
Some family members who spoke after the meeting expressed appreciation for the Vice President’s visit, saying it showed that the Federal Government was concerned about their plight.
Shettima is expected to visit the Emir of Minna, Umar Farouk Bahago, at his palace before proceeding to the hilltop residence of former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, ahead of his return to Abuja.