…CAUTION CITIZENS NOT TO DEMONISE THE GOVERNOR ON THE TRAGEDY
The federal government is to give N250 million to support the families of the victims of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Niger State command that led to the death of 37 people.
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A statement signed by Bologi Ibrahim Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State said Vice President Kasim Shettima stated this at the Government House in Minna when he paid a condolence visit to the government and people of the state over the incident.
Kasim Shettima,who described the incident as unfortunate,said the federal government shares the pains of the bereaved families and reiterated that the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains resolute in its obligations to protect every citizen without distinction or exception.
“The death of 37 young men in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is a blood on our national conscience.
“A citizen deprived of liberty remains entitled to the protection of the state. No allegation, however great, diminishes that entitlement.
“No uniform compels immunity from accountability. We owe justice to every soul lost, answers to every bereaved family, and due process to every person under investigation.
While commiserating with the families of the deceased, Vice President Shettina commended the efforts of the farmer governor in his pursuit of justice for the victims.
“We should avoid weaponising the tragedy that had befallen our people to demonise the Governor. We need to be fair to each other in this hour of bereavement.
The executive governor of Niger State, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago,in his response appreciated the Vice president for the visit,which he said speaks volumes of the compassion and solidarity that binds the nation together in moments of grief.
He said the call for justice made by the State government was not an act of vengeance, but a moral obligation to ensure that citizens don’t lose their lives in the hands of those sworn to protect them.
While assuring the State government support to the federal government’s efforts in regulating mining and protecting national assets, he noted the need for the federal government to invest in safe, legal, and dignified opportunities for the young people.
Farmer Umaru Bago also reiterated that the State government is cooperating fully with the investigative team set by the federal government,as the people of Niger State deserve answers, and the families of the deceased deserve justice.
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Earlier in his remarks, the Principal Private Secretary to the farmer governor, Mr Emmanuel Umar,appreciated the Vice President for the visit and said his presence sends a powerful message of solidarity to the deceased families and all the people of Niger State.
He added that the federal government’s presence through the Vice President has rekindled the hope of the families of the deceased knowing fully well that the federal government is conce rned about their wellbeing.
