Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, 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 some survivors of the incident. He also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, and the Minna Emirate Council.
The 37 detainees reportedly died on September 17, 2026, after being 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. The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident and determine the immediate and remote causes of the deaths. Twenty NSCDC officers connected to the incident have also been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
During his meeting with the affected families and survivors, Atiku called for truth, justice and accountability over the incident.
He also expressed concern about the economic conditions that push young Nigerians into hazardous and poorly regulated occupations, saying the tragedy should prompt deeper discussions about poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
Atiku said the government must create better opportunities for young Nigerians to earn a living through safer and legitimate means.
The donation, he said, was intended to support the families affected by the loss while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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