Police kills two illegal miners in Niger state

IGP Ibrahim Kpotun Idris
IGP Ibrahim Kpotun Idris
Police kills two illegal miners in Niger state.
Olabode Adaramola
Two illegal miners were shot dead on Saturday evening by the police in Kafin-Koro, Paikoro local government of Niger state.The identity of the miners killed were yet unknown as at the time of filing this report on Sunday in Minna the state capital .

The incidence was said to have occurred when the miners in their large number decided to attack policemen deplored to the mining site after the death of 7 illegal miners at the mining site who were buried in the hole they dogged.

National Wire learnt from an eye witness close to the village that the illegal miners who have defied several warnings from both the state government and security agencies in the state to desist from their illegal mining activities, mobilized themselves and way laid the policemen.

The source added that the miners, mostly unruly youths armed with some dangerous weapons, attacked the policemen, injuring one on the head in the process and the policemen were said to have opened fire, killing two of the miners instantly on the spot.

It could be recalled that illegal mining activities have become rampant in various parts of the state in recent time and this has become a source of concern to the state government.

The state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello recently expressed concern over the illegal mining in the state with particular reference to Shikira village in Kagara, Rafi local government area of the state where many lives, mostly minors were lost to Lead poison from illegal mining of gold by the locals.

The governor had warned that “It is high time our people desist from engaging in illegal mining, it’s devastating effect on their health, environment and economy is un-quantifiable.

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“The irony of this activity is that our people are being exploited, abused and at the end many lives are put on the line due to health hazards associated with mining and at the long run our human capital is being depleted and our environment exposed to danger.

Gov. Sani Bello said efforts are on to standardise mining  activities in the state in collaboration with the Federal government so that miners and environment are protected and proceed from exploitation are well coordinated.

“The exploitation of our people is unacceptable. They are not only exposing the whole community to danger, they are been paid pittance. That is why we are appealing to our people to exercise patience for government to fine tune operation in the sector”.

Confirming the incidence, the Police Public Relations Officer, Niger State Police Command, DSP Bala Elkana said that the police has sealed off the mining site.

He thereby warned all those involved in the illegal mining activities across the state to desist from such act because if caught, they will face the full weight of the law.

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