Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has shared harrowing new details surrounding the tragic deaths of 37 miners who died while in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

 

Speaking through a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku detailed a horrific account provided directly by one of the survivors following a visit to Niger State to meet with affected families.

 

### Severe Overcrowding and Extreme Conditions

 

According to the survivor's account, 68 detainees were crammed into a single, poorly ventilated detention room at the NSCDC facility, leading to severe deprivation and life-threatening conditions.

 

> *"It was a gory tale listening to one of the survivors,"* Atiku stated. *"He told us that more than 68 of them were crammed into one small detention facility and that conditions became so desperate that they had to drink one another’s urine just to stay hydrated. No Nigerian should ever be subjected to such indignity in the custody of his own government."*

 

### Ongoing Government Probes

 

The tragedy involving the 37 deceased miners has sparked widespread public outcry across Nigeria. Both the Federal Government and the Niger State Government have launched official investigations into the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention facility conditions, and the exact cause of death for the miners.

 

Human rights advocates and political leaders continue to call for accountability, demanding a complete overhaul of detainee treatment and custody conditions within national security agencies.