Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has donated N20 million to support the families of the 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The donation was announced following the deaths of the detainees, who were arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining activities in Minna, the Niger State capital.
The incident occurred after the suspects were taken into NSCDC custody in September. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have generated widespread concern, with authorities launching an investigation into what happened while they were detained.
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths and determine the circumstances that led to the incident. The committee was inaugurated on September 22 and has been directed to work independently and establish the root cause of the deaths.
Following the incident, the NSCDC Niger State Commandant was suspended alongside other officers connected to the detention and handling of the suspects.
Atiku had earlier called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident required accountability and a thorough examination.
The former vice president had also publicly expressed concern over the welfare of those affected by the incident and called for measures to protect the rights of people held in government custody.
The latest donation is aimed at providing financial support to the families of the deceased at a time when questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Reports indicate that the victims were among suspects arrested during operations conducted around Minna on September 15 and 16 over alleged illegal mining activities. The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while subsequent calls for investigation have focused attention on the conditions under which the suspects were detained.
The deaths have also prompted reactions from human rights groups and other stakeholders, with calls for transparency in the investigation.
The Federal Government has said the investigative committee has access to relevant facilities and documents and may invite necessary experts or members of the public to provide information. It has also been given two weeks to submit its report.
Atiku’s intervention adds to his earlier calls for accountability over the incident and comes as the families of the deceased seek answers regarding what happened to their relatives.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any officials or institutions bear responsibility.
Until the committee concludes its work, the exact cause and circumstances of the deaths remain subject to the ongoing investigation.
The incident has consequently renewed discussions about the treatment of detainees and the responsibility of security agencies to protect people in their custody.
