Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has donated N20m to the families of 37 artisanal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
Atiku donated on Tuesday during a visit to Minna, where he also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Bahago.
The miners died on September 17, days after they were arrested during NSCDC operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state.
The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee to determine the immediate and remote causes of the deaths, while 20 NSCDC officers, including the Niger State Commandant, were 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 determine issues of responsibility and accountability.
Speaking during his meeting with the affected families and survivors, Atiku described the deaths as a tragedy that required truth, justice and accountability.
He said accounts given by survivors about the conditions in which the detainees were held were disturbing.
Atiku said those who died in custody were entitled to humane treatment and protection under the law, regardless of the allegations against them.
He also linked the incident to broader challenges of poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living, arguing that the government must create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue legitimate livelihoods instead of resorting to dangerous activities out of economic necessity.
Atiku further reiterated his proposal for a targeted production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria, saying it would support domestic refining and reduce petrol prices for consumers.
The deaths have generated public concern and calls for accountability, with President Bola Tinubu ordering a full and transparent investigation.
The cause of the fatalities has yet to be conclusively established, as investigations and medical examinations continue.
