ATIKU DONATES ₦20M TO FAMILIES OF MINERS WHO DIED IN NSCDC CUSTODY

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has donated ₦20 million to the families of 37 suspected artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State.

Atiku made the donation on Tuesday during a visit to Minna, where he met with families of the deceased and survivors of the incident. He also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago.

The 37 detainees 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 Niger State. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation.

Atiku described the deaths as a serious tragedy and said the families deserved truth, justice and accountability. He also said the incident highlighted the vulnerability of young Nigerians facing economic hardship and turning to risky livelihoods.

The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths and determine what happened. Twenty NSCDC officers, including the Niger State commandant, have also been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

The National Human Rights Commission has separately commenced a preliminary investigation and called for an independent forensic autopsy and preservation of evidence to establish the cause of death.