A survivor of the mass death of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has claimed that the gold-mining site where the men worked belongs to former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, popularly known as IBB.
The survivor, Malam Babawo Tudun Nasera, made the allegation while recounting the arrest and death of his 17-year-old brother, Salim, who was among the miners detained by NSCDC personnel.
According to Nasera, the miners were arrested at the mining site and remained in NSCDC custody for three days before their deaths were discovered.
In a video seen by SaharaReporters, Nasera said the miners were initially told to stop working at the site.
“They wanted us to stop working at the site,” he said.
When asked why the authorities wanted the mining activities halted, Nasera said the owner of the site had instructed the miners to continue working.
“They wanted the work to stop, even though the owner of the place had said that we should continue working,” he said.
Asked who owned the mining site, Nasera replied, “It belongs to Babangida.”
He subsequently clarified that he was referring to retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Nigeria’s former military Head of State.
Nasera further claimed that Babangida had instructed the miners to continue their activities.
However, the allegation could not be independently verified based on the information available.
It also remains unclear whether Babangida personally owns the mining operation, holds a mining lease over the site, owns the land where the operation is located, or whether Nasera was referring to him in another capacity.
The allegation has nonetheless raised questions about the ownership and operation of the mining site where the miners were arrested.
Survivor recounts brother’s death
Nasera said his younger brother, Salim, was 17 years old when he died in custody.
“They killed him. We saw him,” he said.
He explained that the miners had gone to the site because they were struggling to provide food for their families.
“We went there looking for food. The mining site was where people went to find something to feed their families. It was hard work. Then Civil Defence officers came, arrested them and took them away. What were we supposed to do?” Nasera said.
According to him, the miners remained in NSCDC custody for three days despite attempts by relatives and others to secure their release.
“They kept them in custody for three days. They were all in their custody. We tried to get them released, but they refused and said they would not allow it,” he alleged.
Nasera also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He said the detainees had been fed before the bodies were discovered.
“Yesterday, they brought food to them and they ate. Each of them ate until he was satisfied. But from yesterday morning until today, what happened that made us come and find out that someone had died?” he asked.
He alleged that the detainees were given some form of medicine and exposed to heat outside, but did not provide evidence establishing that either caused the deaths.
The NSCDC has accused the miners of engaging in illegal mining, while survivors have maintained that they were at the site to earn a living.
Babangida calls for investigation
The allegation emerged as authorities investigate the deaths of at least 37 suspected illegal miners following their arrest by NSCDC personnel in Niger State.
Meanwhile, Babangida has reportedly condemned the deaths and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The former Head of State, speaking through Dr Danladi Umar Abdulhameed, the Tambarin Kagara, described the deaths as tragic and disturbing.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and commended the Niger State Government for establishing a committee of inquiry as well as initiating medical and forensic examinations to determine the circumstances and actual cause of the deaths.
Babangida also appealed to residents, particularly youths and relatives of the deceased, to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed.
He urged all parties to avoid actions that could heighten tensions or threaten peace and security in the state.
According to the statement, Babangida expressed hope that the investigation would be conducted transparently and provide answers to the families of those who died.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the cause of death and the events that occurred while the miners were in custody, remain subject to investigation.
