Atiku Makes Emotional Visit To IBB, Offers ₦20m Support To Miners’ Families

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (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.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Atiku made the donation during a visit to Minna, where he met with families and survivors affected by the incident. He also paid condolence visits to the Emir of Minna, Umar Farouk Bahago, and former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

The 37 detainees were among scores of people arrested during NSCDC operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.

The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee to determine the immediate and underlying causes of the deaths, while 20 NSCDC personnel, including the Niger State Commandant, have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

During his meeting with the affected families and survivors, Atiku said he was particularly disturbed by an account attributed to one of the survivors, who reportedly described severe overcrowding and difficult conditions inside the detention facility. The survivor reportedly said more than 68 detainees were held in a small facility and claimed that some resorted to drinking urine to survive.

Atiku described the incident as a serious tragedy and said those who died were entitled to their lives, dignity and protection under the law, regardless of the allegations that led to their arrest.

The former vice-president also said the incident should prompt broader discussions about the economic conditions facing young Nigerians who engage in dangerous or precarious livelihoods in an effort to survive.

He called for attention to the impact of economic policies on households and young people, arguing that rising living costs could push more Nigerians toward hazardous means of earning a living.

Atiku said the effectiveness of economic reforms should ultimately be assessed by their impact on ordinary Nigerians, particularly families, workers and young people.

The donation comes as investigations continue into the deaths, with authorities yet to establish a conclusive account of what caused the fatalities.