Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has donated ₦20 million to the families of 37 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 a condolence visit to Minna, where Atiku met with the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Bahago, to express his sympathies over the tragic incident. The miners died on September 17, after being arrested during a joint NSCDC operation aimed at curbing suspected illegal mining activities.
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee to establish the causes of the deaths. Additionally, 20 NSCDC officers, including the Niger State Commandant, have been suspended pending the outcome of the probe. The Niger State Government has also inaugurated a nine-member judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the incident and address issues of responsibility and accountability.
Atiku described the deaths as a monumental tragedy that demands absolute truth, justice, and accountability from state actors. He noted that the harrowing accounts given by survivors regarding the conditions of their detention were deeply disturbing. According to a statement issued by Mr. Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated that survivors told him that more than 68 miners were crammed into one small detention facility, and conditions became desperate.
Atiku emphasized that regardless of the allegations leveled against the suspects, they were entitled to humane treatment and protection under the law. He noted that no Nigerian should ever be subjected to such indignity in the custody of their government. The ADC chieftain stressed that the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the government to critically examine the harsh economic conditions pushing young Nigerians into hazardous occupations.
Atiku linked the incident to the wider socio-economic challenges currently plaguing the nation, particularly extreme poverty, unemployment, and the rising cost of living. He argued that economic reform must ultimately be measured by its impact on the lives of ordinary people. Atiku also restated his campaign proposal for a targeted production subsidy for petroleum products refined within Nigeria.
The proposal has drawn criticism from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding its legal and fiscal viability under the Petroleum Industry Act. However, Atiku maintained that his plan is a solemn covenant to make life affordable again for Nigerians. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent probe into the custody deaths, assuring the public that any negligence or misconduct discovered will be met with action.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians demanding justice and accountability for the deceased miners. Atiku's donation and public stance on the issue have been seen as a demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians. The investigation into the custody deaths is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what actions will be taken against those responsible.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar donates ₦20m to families of 37 artisanal miners who died in NSCDC custody.
- Federal Government constitutes 10-member investigative committee to establish causes of deaths.
- Atiku proposes targeted production subsidy for petroleum products refined within Nigeria.
