Former military president General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd.) has denied ownership of the gold mining sites from where 37 miners who later died in NSCDC custody were arrested.

The denial was in reaction to reports which alleged that the site belonged to him.

A statement signed on Saturday by Dr. David Adeniran of his media office said, “Ibrahim Babangida does not own, lease, or possess any mineral rights, properties, or lands related to mining operations anywhere in Niger State or across Nigeria.”

It said Babangida had never acquired nor sought to acquire or operated any land for mining purposes in his entire life, adding that any claim stating otherwise was an absolute fabrication.

The statement added, “No commands or authorisations issued: The malicious claim by a purported survivor stating that General Babangida instructed workers to ignore local directives and continue mining operations is completely unfounded. Having lived peacefully and lawfully as a statesman in Minna since his retirement in 1993, General Babangida has never had any connection whatsoever with these informal or illegal mining activities”.

“Babangida condemned the tragic and unfortunate deaths of the 37 individuals while in the custody of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and sends his condolences to the affected families and the people of Niger State”.

IBB said he was fully cooperating with and completely supports a transparent, independent committee of inquiry and forensic examinations initiated by the Niger State government and the Federal Ministry of Interior to determine the true cause of this custodial tragedy.

He urged the youth and residents of Niger State to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while allowing the investigating bodies to conclude their work.

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