Vice-president Kashim Shettima has announced federal government support of N250 million to the bereaved families of the 37 suspected illegal artisanal miners who died while in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody in Niger State.

Announcing the donation yesterday during a condolence visit to the government and people of the state, Shettima assured the families of justice over the loss of life.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has confirmed that 38 people died in the NSCDC incident, disclosing that one more person was killed by gunshot during the ensuing riots.

The vice president, who was received by Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago, conveyed the condolences of President Bola Tinubu, saying the federal government was in the state to share in the people’s grief, listen to their concerns and reaffirm its commitment to protecting every citizen.

According to him, the death of the 37 young men in the NSCDC custody “was a stain on our national conscience. A citizen deprived of liberty remains entitled to the state’s protection. No allegation, however grave, diminishes that entitlement.”

Assuring justice, he warned against any attempt to shield anyone from accountability, stressing that the government owed the deceased justice, answers to their families, and due process to persons under investigation.

For his part, Governor Bago noted that the state had been bedevilled by several tragedies that resulted in the loss of many lives. He thanked the federal government for the monetary donation, while appealing to it to strengthen regulation in the mining sector, protect national assets and provide safe, legal and dignified opportunities for young people.

He also announced N5 million in financial support for each bereaved family and N2 million for each survivor, while acknowledging the support of the Emir of Minna, Farouk Bahago, in promoting peace and counselling both the affected families and those arrested in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, he also revealed that 32 survivors had so far been recorded, even as the committees investigating the incident were still working to establish the exact number of people affected.