“For The First Time, I Was Not Happy To See My Son Online” — Mother Of Viral Niger Teen Miner Yazid Breaks Silence
The mother of Yazid, the teenage artisanal miner from Niger State whose video went viral online, has spoken out about her son’s risky hustle and his sudden fame.
In an exclusive interview with News Central TV, the mother said she was initially distressed when she saw her son trending online.
“Honestly… For the first time, I’m… Okay, for the first time, I’m not happy. But later on, after the viewers and the comments, I thank the Almighty for giving me such a son. That is it,” she said.
When asked if she was aware that her son was into mining, she said she was usually kept in the dark because of her fear over insecurity and constant arrests by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps [NSCDC].
“Not actually. Because when he wants to go to the mining site, I don’t usually know. Because I’m afraid. The way the situation of the country is, and how the Civil Defence used to arrest the miners. I’m not aware when he wants to go to the mining site. But he’s a child that wants to help his parents,” she said.
Asked whether Yazid mines to fend for the family or for himself, she replied:
“Helping both himself and the family.”
She admitted she was gripped by fear when she heard about the fatal incident involving miners detained by NSCDC in Minna, worrying that her son might be among the victims.
“Yes, I felt so,” she said.
Yazid, speaking briefly, appreciated Nigerians for their support.
“Good day, Nigerians. I appreciate… I thank people. I appreciate and thank those with their support. Thank you,” the teen said.
Despite warnings and scolding from his parents not to join mining activities to avoid trouble with security agents, Yazid continued to go to the site to support his household’s livelihood.
also identified as Yusuf Aliyu — first went viral on September 20 in a video recorded at a mining site in Wushishi-Lukoto axis.
In that video Interview with News Central TV, he rejected official claims that 37 miners died of heat or disease in NSCDC custody, insisting: “Heat cannot kill a gold miner.” He narrated how NSCDC operatives stormed the site on September 15, shooting and arresting scores of young miners, how families saw the detainees alive on Wednesday, September 16, and were told on Thursday, September 17, that all 37 had died and were deposited at General Hospital Minna mortuary where families were asked to pay N50,000 to access bodies.
He said the miners are educated youths under 18 mining on land permitted by the owner to pay school fees and feed poor parents.
That video drew a strong reaction from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who said: “I cannot look at him and see an ‘illegal miner.’ I see brilliance trapped by poverty,” and offered to sponsor Yazid’s education while calling for his protection from intimidation.
Following presidential directive, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has suspended the Niger NSCDC Commandant and 20 officers, with a 10-member probe panel now investigating the deaths.
