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Niger miners’ death: Atiku reveals what survivor told him

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has detailed what he said he was told by one of the survivors among the arrested miners that died in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State. In a statement by his spokesperson, Phrank […] Niger miners’ death: Atiku reveals what survivor told him

Niger miners’ death: Atiku reveals what survivor told him

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar donated ₦20 million to the families of 37 artisanal miners who died in custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. Atiku visited Minna and paid a condolence call to the Emir of Minna. The 37 miners died on September 17 after being arrested during NSCDC operations against illegal mining.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths are under investigation. A 10-member independent investigative committee has been constituted by the Federal Government to ascertain the causes of the deaths. Meanwhile, 20 NSCDC officers, including the Niger State Commandant, have been suspended pending the investigation's outcome. The Niger State Government has also formed a nine-member commission to investigate the incident, including issues of responsibility and accountability.

Atiku described the incident as a tragedy demanding truth, justice, and accountability, and criticized the poor conditions the detainees were held in, with one survivor alleging that over 68 miners were crammed into a small detention facility.

Written by urgent.news from Punch's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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