Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has donated N20 million to the families of 37 artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. Atiku announced the donation during a visit to Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday, September 22, where he met with the families and survivors of the tragedy.
During the visit, Atiku also paid condolences to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, and held a separate meeting with former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.). The miners were arrested by the NSCDC on September 15 and 16 during operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State. Authorities have since opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Survivor's Account Disturbs Atiku
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he was deeply troubled by what one survivor described to him directly.
"It was a gory tale listening to one of the survivors. He told us that more than 68 of them were crammed into one small detention facility and that conditions became so desperate that they had to drink one another's urine just to stay hydrated," Atiku said.
"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."
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate said the deaths were a painful sign of how economically vulnerable many young Nigerians had become. "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 Criticises Tinubu's Economic Policies
Atiku used the occasion to criticise the economic direction of President Bola Tinubu's administration, arguing that hardship was pushing young people into dangerous occupations simply to earn a living.
"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.
As part of his 2027 presidential pitch, Atiku proposed a targeted production subsidy on petroleum products refined within Nigeria, rather than a blanket subsidy on imported fuel. He said the policy would support domestic refining, protect jobs and bring down prices for ordinary consumers.
"My promise to make life affordable again is not a political slogan. It is a solemn covenant with the Nigerian people," Atiku said.
Atiku's Camp Dismisses 2027 Projection
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Atiku's spokesperson, Paul Ibe, dismissed a Political Intelligence Group projection that put President Tinubu ahead in the 2027 presidential race. In a statement, Atiku's camp questioned the credibility and transparency of the forecast.
The visit to Minna underscores Atiku's continued engagement with grassroots issues as he positions himself ahead of the 2027 elections, with the donation aimed at providing immediate relief to the bereaved families while his proposed economic policies target broader structural reforms.
