Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has donated ₦20 million to families of the 37 suspected artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

According to The Sun, Atiku made the donation during a visit to Minna, where he met with families and survivors of the incident and paid condolences to the Emir of Minna.

Atiku described the deaths as a painful reminder of the difficult conditions facing young Nigerians and said the families deserved more than condolences.

Reports by Blueprint and New Telegraph also confirmed that the former Vice President listened to accounts from survivors before announcing the financial support.

The deaths have sparked protests and calls for accountability, with the Federal Government ordering an investigation into what happened while the miners were in custody.

Atiku also called for greater attention to poverty, unemployment and the dangerous conditions pushing young Nigerians into precarious livelihood