The Federal Government has donated N250 million to the families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced the donation on Monday during a condolence visit to Minna, the Niger State capital.

The victims were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.

Following the deaths, the Federal Government suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Speaking during the visit, Shettima assured the bereaved families that the government would establish the circumstances that led to the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page, the Vice-President said he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s condolences to the Niger State Government, the bereaved families and the people of the state.

“I assured the families of the 37 suspected miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State that the Federal Government will get to the root of the tragedy and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable,” he said.

Shettima added, “I also announced the Federal Government’s donation of ₦250 million to the families of the deceased.”