The Kogi State Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources, has directed the total stoppage of illegal mining in the state.
The directives followed the death of two persons in an illegal mining site after the site’s collapse at Ika- Ogboyaga in Ankpa Local Government Area.
The names of the deceased were given as Amodu and Attah.
They died on Saturday, 28th August 2022, at about 04:20 pm when the mining site collapsed.
A statement signed by the Kogi State Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, stated that all legal operators should henceforth register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources to enhance peace and criminal-free sites.
The Government expressed worry over the activities of some unknown operators in mining sites and advised them to register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources to ascertain the genuine miners.
The Statement said failure to adhere to the directive, the State Government will close down the erring mining operators and sites.
The commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp, Oyinloye JK, said an investigation had begun to ascertain the owner of the site.
He also confirmed that the deceased had been buried following Islamic laws.
He said that he has directed the Divisional Official of NSCDC to liase with the traditional ruler not to allow further illegal activities in that community for now until investigation is completed.
Contact: theeditor[at]punchng.com
