It Belongs To Babangida — Survivor Makes Fresh Claim About Niger Mining Site

A survivor of the deaths involving suspected illegal miners in Niger State has alleged that the mining site where the men were working belonged to former military Head of State, retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Malam Babawo Tudun Nasera made the claim while recounting the arrest and subsequent death of his 17-year-old brother, Salim, who was among the miners detained by personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Nasera said the miners were arrested at the mining site and remained in NSCDC custody for about three days before their deaths were discovered. He alleged that authorities had ordered the miners to stop working at the location despite what he described as an instruction from the alleged owner that mining activities should continue.

When asked who owned the mining site, Nasera reportedly identified Babangida and later clarified that he was referring to retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, popularly known as IBB. He also claimed that Babangida had instructed the miners to continue their activities.

However, there was no independent confirmation in the account establishing that Babangida owns the mining operation, holds a mining licence or lease over the location, owns the land, or had any direct involvement in the activities at the site.

The NSCDC has described the miners as illegal operators, while survivors have maintained that the mining activities were a means of earning a livelihood.

Nasera said his younger brother, Salim, was among those who died after being taken into custody. He alleged that the 17-year-old had gone to the mining site with others in search of money to support themselves and their families.

According to his account, NSCDC officers arrived at the site, arrested the miners and took them away. Nasera said efforts by relatives and others to secure their release were unsuccessful, adding that the detainees remained in custody for three days.

He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the deaths, saying the detainees had reportedly eaten food before the incident was discovered. Nasera said he was concerned about what might have happened between the time they ate and when the bodies were found.

The survivor further alleged that the detainees were given what he described as some form of medicine and were exposed to intense heat, although he did not provide evidence establishing that either factor caused the deaths.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation, with authorities expected to determine the actual cause of the incident through medical, forensic and other investigations.