Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress 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 in Niger State.
Atiku announced the donation during a meeting with the affected families in Minna, where he also visited the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, and former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
The miners died after being arrested during NSCDC operations against suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State. The circumstances surrounding their deaths are currently under investigation. The Federal Government has constituted an independent committee to investigate the incident, while several NSCDC officers were suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
Atiku said the incident highlighted the vulnerability of young Nigerians struggling to survive amid economic hardship and called for greater investment in opportunities for young people.
He said it was distressing to hear the account of one of the survivors, who allegedly told him that more than 68 detainees were held in a small detention facility and that conditions became so desperate that some had to drink one another’s urine to stay hydrated.
“No Nigerian should ever be subjected to such indignity in the custody of his own government. These were human beings in the care of the state. Whatever accusations may have been made against them, they were entitled to their lives, their dignity and the protection of the law,” Atiku said.
He added that the deaths should prompt the government to examine the poverty, unemployment and cost-of-living pressures pushing young Nigerians into dangerous and poorly regulated occupations.
“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 criticised the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, arguing that government should consider the impact of economic reforms on ordinary Nigerians.
“When families can no longer afford the basics and young people are forced to take extraordinary risks just to earn a living, government cannot pretend that everything is working,” he said.
The ADC presidential candidate further stated that, if elected president, he would pursue measures aimed at reducing the cost of living, including targeted support for petroleum products refined locally rather than returning to an open-ended subsidy on imported fuel.
“My promise to make life affordable again is not a political slogan. It is a solemn covenant with the Nigerian people,” Atiku said.
He added that government support should translate into measurable benefits for Nigerians, stressing that the purpose of government was to improve the lives of citizens.
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