Former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has denied any ownership or connection to the mining site in Niger State where 37 artisan miners were arrested before their deaths in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Babangida, through his media office, said he neither owned nor leased the property, possessed mineral rights over it nor had any involvement in mining operations anywhere in Niger State or elsewhere in Nigeria.
The clarification followed reports circulating online linking the former military ruler to the mining site in Minna, where the 37 miners were arrested on Thursday, September 17.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Dr. David Adeniran, Babangida described the allegation as false, stressing that he had never acquired or sought to acquire land for mining purposes throughout his life.
The statement also rejected an allegation attributed to a purported survivor that Babangida had directed workers at the site to disregard local authorities and continue mining activities.
According to the statement, Babangida had no connection with the informal mining operations and had lived in Minna as a private citizen since his retirement from public office in 1993.
The development comes amid investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 miners while in NSCDC custody, with authorities yet to conclude inquiries into what led to the fatalities.
Babangida expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State, describing the deaths as tragic and unfortunate.
He also backed the ongoing investigation by the Niger State Government and the Federal Ministry of Interior, including the proposed forensic examinations, saying the process should establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The former military president called for a transparent and independent inquiry into the incident, indicating support for efforts to determine the actual cause of the deaths rather than allowing unverified claims to shape public understanding of the matter.
He further appealed to residents and youths in Niger State to remain calm and law-abiding while the relevant authorities conduct their investigations.
The deaths have placed renewed attention on the circumstances surrounding illegal mining activities and the treatment of persons arrested in connection with such operations, even as investigations into the Niger incident continue.
