Kogi gov’t bans illegal mining

The Kogi State government has banned illegal mining in the state.

The directive followed the death of two people at an illegal mining site at Ika-Ogboyaga in Ankpa LGA of the state when a portion of mining bed caved in.

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Daily Trust gathered that the incident happened on Saturday, killing two men whom the locals identified as Attah and Amodu.

A witness said the locals who got wind of the incident, rushed to the site, but could only remove the victims’ lifeless bodies, which were buried according to Islamic rites.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Bashiru Gegu, said all operators should henceforth register with the ministry to ascertain the genuine miners.

The statement said failure to adhere to the directive, the state government will close down the mining operators and sites.

Meanwhile, the State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it had begun investigation to ascertain the owner of the collapsed site.

The head of solid minerals of the command, DCC Nkom Samson Katung, said divisional officers had been directed to link up with the traditional ruler of the community to suspend illegal activities in the area.