Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has donated ₦20 million to families affected by the deaths of 37 artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Atiku made the donation during a visit to Minna, where he met relatives of the deceased and survivors of the incident. He also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago.
The former vice president’s visit came as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which occurred after the miners were arrested during operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State.
37 miners died in custody
The miners were detained following NSCDC operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.
According to reports, the 37 detainees died on September 17. Authorities have yet to establish the full circumstances that led to the deaths.
The Federal Government has set up a 10-member independent investigative committee to examine the incident and determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the fatalities.
The NSCDC has also placed 20 personnel, including the Niger State commandant, on suspension while investigations continue.
Atiku meets families and survivor
During his interaction with the affected families, Atiku expressed condolences and announced the financial assistance.
He also heard an account from a survivor concerning the conditions in which detainees were reportedly held.
According to Atiku’s statement, the survivor claimed that more than 68 people were kept in a single detention facility and described severe conditions during their confinement. The account has not been independently established as a finding of the ongoing investigation.
Atiku said the deaths should be investigated thoroughly and that those responsible, if any wrongdoing is established, should be held accountable.
He also argued that people accused of offences remain entitled to humane treatment and legal protections while in government custody.
NSCDC says investigation will be transparent
The NSCDC has said it will not protect any personnel found responsible for wrongdoing in connection with the deaths.
Commandant General Ahmed Audi gave the assurance during a condolence visit to the Emir of Minna and the families of the victims.
The Corps said relevant personnel had been placed in protective custody to ensure they remain available to investigators. It added that it is cooperating with the Federal Government’s investigative committee.
The investigation is expected to establish what happened to the detainees and determine whether any individuals or institutional failures contributed to the deaths.
Atiku links tragedy to economic hardship
Beyond the immediate investigation, Atiku used the visit to discuss the economic circumstances facing young Nigerians.
He said the deaths should prompt wider discussion about the conditions that push people towards hazardous and poorly regulated occupations, including informal mining.
According to his statement, poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living are among the pressures affecting young Nigerians and their choices of livelihood.
The former vice president also spoke about his proposed approach to domestic fuel pricing, advocating support for petroleum products refined within Nigeria rather than an open-ended subsidy on imported fuel.
He argued that such a policy could support domestic refining and potentially reduce pressure on consumers.
Calls for answers continue
The deaths have generated calls for authorities to provide a clear account of what happened to the miners after they were taken into custody.
For the families, the immediate concerns include obtaining answers about the deaths and receiving support following the loss of their relatives.
The government’s investigative committee and the NSCDC inquiry are expected to provide further information as investigations progress.
Until the investigations are concluded, the precise causes of the 37 deaths and any individual responsibility remain matters to be established by the relevant authorities.
Atiku’s ₦20 million donation provides immediate financial support to the affected families, while attention remains focused on the ongoing investigation and the steps authorities will take after its findings are released.
