Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has donated N20 million to the families of 37 suspected artisanal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
TheCable reports that the victims were among scores of suspects arrested during operations around the Lt Gen Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna on September 15 and 16.
Following the deaths, the Federal Government suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Atiku made the donation on Tuesday during a visit to Minna, where he met with families and survivors of the incident. He also paid condolence visits to the Emir of Minna, Umar Bahago, and former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he was particularly disturbed by an account given by one of the survivors.
The former vice-president quoted the survivor as saying that more than 68 detainees had been held in a small detention facility and that conditions became so severe that some resorted to drinking urine to remain hydrated.
Atiku described the deaths as a reminder of the vulnerability of young Nigerians facing economic hardship.
“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.
He also called for attention to the economic circumstances that push young Nigerians towards dangerous and poorly regulated livelihoods.
Atiku further urged the Tinubu administration to examine the effects of its economic policies on households and young people, arguing that economic reforms should ultimately be assessed by their impact on ordinary Nigerians.
The government’s investigation into the deaths is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
