Niger miners: Atiku demands answers from Tinubu, Alake, Tunji-Ojo

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, has called for answers from President Bola Tinubu, Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake, and Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo regarding the tragic deaths of 37 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. Speaking through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku emphasized that Tinubu and the two ministers must answer for their actions and not hide behind propaganda or shift responsibility to junior officers.

According to Atiku, the victims were arrested and detained by government agents, placed under state authority, and never returned to their families. He demanded that the Tinubu administration provide a clear explanation for the deaths of these 37 Nigerians, who were teenagers at the time of their arrest. Atiku firmly stated that the government cannot justify the loss of 37 lives through press releases, suspensions, or bureaucratic excuses.

Atiku stressed that these victims were not casualties of Boko Haram, bandits, or any other external force. Instead, they died after being arrested, transported, and detained by government officials. He added that the government had seized the freedom of these individuals and was now responsible for their safety, which it must now account for.

Atiku reiterated that President Tinubu, Dele Alake, and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo cannot evade accountability while 37 Nigerian families prepare to bury their children. He demanded that the administration provide the truth, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure justice for all 37 victims.