Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to support the education of Yusuf Aliyu, a teenage artisanal miner in Niger State, whose video went viral following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the state. Atiku made the pledge in a statement on X on Sunday, expressing concern over Aliyu's situation. He emphasized that the teenager's intelligence and confidence should be nurtured in a classroom rather than at a mining site.
Yusuf Aliyu, in a video that has circulated online, alleged that personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had been shooting at miners at a gold mining site in Niger State. He disputed the NSCDC's initial explanation that the deaths of suspected illegal miners in its custody were linked to a disease outbreak. Aliyu stated that he and his colleagues were under 18 and not allowed to be taken inside a cell.
Atiku's pledge to support Aliyu's education comes as part of his broader criticism of the Tinubu administration's handling of artisanal miners. He contrasted it with the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative established under former President Muhammadu Buhari. Atiku said the former administration's initiative aimed to register, train, and integrate artisanal miners into the formal economy.
The deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners occurred after they were arrested during NSCDC operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. Atiku demanded explanations from the Federal Government over the status of PAGMI in Niger State and the circumstances surrounding the deaths. He emphasized that calling them 'illegal miners' cannot erase their humanity or excuse their deaths.
Atiku also called for Aliyu's protection, warning that his public comments should not expose him or his family to intimidation or retaliation. He appealed for responsible handling of any effort to reach Aliyu through his family and appropriate child-protection channels. The former vice president expressed his preparedness to support Aliyu's education and ensure that his brilliance is not buried by poverty.
The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate linked Aliyu's circumstances to what he described as failures by the government to provide opportunities for children living in mineral-producing communities. Atiku said Aliyu's intelligence exposes the opportunities the government has failed to provide, while his poverty exposes the injustice of Nigeria's mining economy.
Atiku concluded by stating that he would continue to advocate for children such as Aliyu, stressing the need to protect their lives, education, and future. He criticized the Tinubu administration's approach to artisanal miners, describing it as an effort to criminalize poor people rather than formalize their activities.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar pledges to support the education of Yusuf Aliyu, a teenage artisanal miner.
- The deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State have sparked controversy and criticism of the government's handling of artisanal miners.
- Atiku criticizes the Tinubu administration's approach to artisanal miners, contrasting it with the initiative established under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
