Former Vice President and ADC Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has donated ₦20 million to the families of 37 suspected artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. The donation was made during his visit to Minna to meet the families of the deceased and survivors of the incident. Atiku also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, and the Minna Emirate Council.
The 37 miners were arrested during an NSCDC operation against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. They died on September 17 while in NSCDC custody, sparking public concern and questions about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The NSCDC initially linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, but survivors later gave accounts that raised questions about the conditions inside the detention facility.
According to Atiku, one survivor alleged that over 68 detainees were crammed into a small, poorly ventilated cell, leading to desperate conditions. The survivor also claimed that they had to drink one another's urine to stay hydrated. Atiku described the incident as a tragedy that requires accountability and an investigation into what happened. He emphasized that no Nigerian should be subjected to such indignity in government custody.
Atiku also raised concerns about the conditions that push young Nigerians into dangerous and poorly regulated occupations. He argued that the incident should not only be viewed through the lens of illegal mining but also prompt questions about poverty, unemployment, and the cost of living. Atiku emphasized that the government must create better opportunities for young Nigerians to earn a living through legitimate and safer means.
The incident has attracted widespread criticism, with human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, demanding the prosecution of anyone found responsible after investigations are concluded. President Bola Tinubu has directed a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Federal Government has suspended 20 NSCDC officers connected to the incident and constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths.
The committee, inaugurated by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests and detention of the victims, establish the cause of death, and determine whether negligence, misconduct, complicity, or other forms of responsibility were involved. The Niger State Government has also taken steps to investigate the incident, which has sparked protests in Minna.
Atiku's donation to the families of the deceased miners is part of his broader criticism of the country's economic situation. He proposed a targeted production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria, designed to support local refining and reduce the cost of fuel for consumers. Atiku emphasized that government policies should ultimately be measured by their impact on ordinary citizens.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar donates ₦20m to families of 37 miners who died in NSCDC custody.
- Investigation into the deaths of the 37 detainees is ongoing, with a 10-member independent committee constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Atiku Abubakar criticizes government policies, emphasizing the need to create better opportunities for young Nigerians to earn a living through legitimate and safer means.
