Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has donated ₦20 million to families affected by the deaths of 37 suspected artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Atiku made the donation on Tuesday during a visit to Minna, where he met families and survivors of the incident. He also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, and visited former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the deaths as a painful reminder of the vulnerability of young Nigerians facing economic hardship.
He said a survivor told him that more than 68 detainees were held in a small facility under desperate conditions, alleging that some had resorted to drinking urine to survive.
“Thirty-seven young Nigerians entered the custody of the state alive and did not return alive to their families,” Atiku said, calling for truth, justice and accountability.
He also linked the tragedy to wider concerns over poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living, arguing that economic reforms must ultimately improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Atiku reiterated his pledge to reduce the cost of living if elected president, including through a targeted production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria.
He said the proposed policy would support domestic refining, create jobs and ensure government support translates into lower prices for consumers.
