Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced a N250 million donation from the Federal Government to the families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Shettima made the announcement on Monday during a condolence visit to Minna, the state capital, where he conveyed the sympathy of President Bola Tinubu to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the bereaved families and the people of the state.

He assured the families that the government would “get to the root of the tragedy” and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable, describing the deaths as a matter of national concern that demands justice and answers.

The vice president also urged Nigerians not to politicise the incident or turn it into an attack on Governor Bago, stressing that the NSCDC is a federal agency and does not answer to the state government. He added that allegations against anyone in custody do not relieve the government of its duty to protect their lives.

Governor Bago thanked the Federal Government for the visit and the donation, calling it a sign of federal solidarity with Niger. He said the state’s demand for justice was not about vengeance and that the money, while helpful to the families, could never replace the lives lost.

The state government said that apart from the 37 who died at the NSCDC facility, another person was killed by gunfire during the riot that followed, bringing the total number of deaths linked to the incident to 38. It added that 32 survivors have been recorded.

The suspected miners were picked up during NSCDC enforcement operations in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16. Following the deaths, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and the Federal Government ordered an investigation.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had earlier said nobody found responsible would be shielded. The outcome of the probe is expected to establish how the men died and whether any security personnel or others should face sanctions.

Some parents of the deceased had earlier called for compensation, saying it would serve as a deterrent against abuse of power. The ruling APC has also separately announced a N52 million package for the families and survivors, including N1 million for each of the 37 bereaved families.