The relatives of the 37 artisanal miners who died in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ (NSCDC) custody in Minna, Niger State, have received a N20 million donation from Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
37 Miners Died in NSCDC Custody
During operations near Lt Gen Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in the state capital on September 15 and 16, NSCDC officers apprehended numerous suspects, including the victims.
The Federal Government suspended the Niger State NSCDC commandant after the incident and ordered a thorough inquiry into the cause of the deaths. 
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Atiku Visits Families in Minna
He made the donation while visiting Minna, where he met the families and survivors of the incident.
Atiku described the deaths as a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of young Nigerians experiencing economic difficulties. This was stated in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
The former vice president said one of the survivors’ accounts particularly troubled him.
According to Atiku, the deaths should force the government to deal with the underlying economic issues that force young Nigerians into dangerous and unregulated jobs.
According to him, the tragedy should also force President Bola Tinubu’s administration to consider how its economic policies affect Nigerian homes and young people.
Atiku Calls for Truth and Accountability
“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.
“But beyond establishing what happened in that detention facility, we must also ask why so many of our young people are being pushed into dangerous and precarious livelihoods simply to survive.”
“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,” Atiku said.
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