Survivor alleges IBB owns Niger mine where 37 died

A survivor of the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps custody in Niger State has alleged that the gold-mining site where the men were arrested belonged to former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

The claim was made by Malam Babawo Tudun Nasera while recounting the arrest and death of his 17-year-old brother, Salim, who was among the miners detained by NSCDC officers.

Nasera, in a video obtained by SaharaReporters, said the miners were working at the site when NSCDC officers arrived and ordered them to stop.

“They wanted us to stop working at the site,” he said.

Asked why the authorities wanted the mining operation halted, Nasera said the person he identified as the owner 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.

When asked who owned the site, Nasera replied, “It belongs to Babangida.”

He was then asked whether he meant Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the former military Head of State popularly known as IBB.

“Yes,” he replied.

Asked whether Babangida had instructed the miners to continue working, Nasera said, “Yes, he said we should continue working.”

The ownership claim has not been independently established. It was also initially unclear whether Nasera was referring to ownership of the mining operation, a mining lease, the land on which the site is located or another form of association.

Babangida, however, has since denied the allegation.

His representative, Dr Danladi Umar Abdulhameed, described the claim as “false, baseless and completely without foundation” and said the former Head of State had no connection with the mining operation in question.

“We categorically reject the publication and demand that the false impression created by it be corrected. General Babangida has no connection whatsoever with the mining operation in question,” Abdulhameed said.

The conflicting accounts come amid an investigation into the deaths of at least 37 suspected illegal miners who died after being arrested and detained by the NSCDC in Niger State.

Survivor recounts brother’s death

Nasera said his younger brother, Salim, was 17 when he died in custody.

“They killed him. We saw him,” he said.

He said the miners had gone to the site because they depended on mining to earn money for food.

“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?” he said.

According to Nasera, the detainees remained in NSCDC custody for three days.

“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 confirmed that the detainees had spent three days in custody before the deaths were discovered.

Nasera also questioned what might have caused the deaths, saying the detainees had eaten before the incident.

“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 said.

Asked what the detainees were given, he said they received “some kind of medicine or something” and were also exposed to heat.

He questioned whether the substance given to the detainees could have contributed to their deaths.

The claims have not been established as the cause of death.

The NSCDC has previously said the actual cause of the deaths remained subject to medical and laboratory examinations, while Niger State authorities have ordered investigations and forensic examinations.

IBB condemns deaths, backs investigation

Babangida’s denial of any connection with the mine came as the former military ruler separately condemned the deaths of the 37 detainees and called for a comprehensive investigation.

In a statement issued through Abdulhameed, Babangida described the incident as tragic and deeply disturbing and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

He commended the Niger State Government for establishing a committee of inquiry and initiating medical and forensic examinations to determine the circumstances and actual cause of the deaths.

The former military ruler urged residents, particularly youths and families of the deceased, to remain calm while the investigation continues.

He also called on all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or threaten peace and security in the state.

Babangida said a transparent investigation was necessary to establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action was taken based on the findings.

The ownership of the mining site, the circumstances of the miners’ arrest and detention, and the cause of the 37 deaths are now among the issues likely to attract scrutiny as authorities continue their investigation.