Kogi State Government has issued a ban on illegal mining in the state through the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources.
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 deceased, Amodu and Attah were said to have died on Saturday, August 27, at about 04:20 pm.
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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 state government expressed worry over the activities of some unknown operators in mining sites, and stated that failure to adhere to the directive will lead to the closure of erring mining sites.
Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp, Oyinloye JK disclosed that the deceased had been buried following Islamic laws, and noted that investigation had begun to ascertain the owner of the site.
He also gave a directive to the Divisional Official of NSCDC to liase with the traditional ruler not to allow further illegal activities in the community for now until investigation is completed.
