Shettima Arrives Niger, Visits Families After D3ath Of 37 Gold Miners In NSCDC Custody

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Minna, the Niger State capital, on a condolence visit following the deaths of 37 artisanal gold miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) last month.

Shettima was received in Minna by Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, the state All Progressives Congress chairman, Aminu Musa Bobi, and other senior government officials.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Vice President’s visit is aimed at conveying the condolences of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to the Niger State Government and the families of the deceased miners.

Shettima is also expected to follow up on President Tinubu’s directive for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that the probe is carried out thoroughly.

The deaths of the artisanal miners have raised concerns, particularly because they occurred while the victims were reportedly in the custody of a security agency.

During the visit, the Vice President is expected to engage with state officials and representatives of the affected families as the Federal Government seeks to establish the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

The visit comes amid calls for accountability and clarity over the incident, with authorities expected to provide further details following the outcome of the investigation.