Atiku Recounts Shocking Survival Story Of Trapped Niger Miners After Meeting Survivor

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has recounted a disturbing account allegedly given to him by a survivor of the Niger State detention tragedy involving suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Atiku disclosed the account after visiting Niger State, where he met with families and survivors of the incident involving 37 detainees who died in NSCDC custody. The federal government has constituted an independent 10-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Atiku said one of the survivors told him that more than 68 detainees had been confined in a single small detention facility, creating extremely difficult conditions for those being held there.

The former Vice President said the survivor described the situation as so desperate that some of the detainees resorted to drinking one another’s urine in an attempt to remain hydrated.

“It was a gory tale listening to one of the survivors. He told us that more than 68 of them were crammed into one small detention facility and that conditions became so desperate that they had to drink one another’s urine just to stay hydrated,” Atiku said.

He expressed concern over the conditions described by the survivor and argued that people in government custody should be treated humanely and protected under the law, regardless of the allegations that led to their arrest.

“No Nigerian should ever be subjected to such indignity in the custody of his own government,” Atiku said, adding that those detained remained entitled to their lives, dignity and protection under the law.

The deaths occurred after scores of people suspected of illegal mining were arrested during operations in Niger State. Authorities subsequently launched investigations into the incident, while several NSCDC officials were suspended pending the outcome of the probe.

Reports from survivors have raised concerns about overcrowding and the conditions inside the detention facility. Reuters reported accounts from survivors alleging that nearly 70 detainees were held in a very small cell, while authorities have not yet established a conclusive cause of death.

Atiku said the death of 37 Nigerians in state custody was a serious matter that required truth, justice and accountability. He also linked the tragedy to broader economic challenges, arguing that difficult living conditions could push young Nigerians towards dangerous means of earning a livelihood.

“Thirty-seven young Nigerians entered the custody of the state alive and did not return alive to their families. That tragedy demands truth, justice and accountability,” he said.

Atiku also reiterated his call for measures aimed at reducing economic hardship, including support for locally refined petroleum products, which he said could help lower costs and support domestic production.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain subject to investigation, with the federal government saying the independent committee was established to provide a transparent account of what happened.