Following the killings of 12 miners in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, the Federal Government has announced a ban on all mining activities at the site of the attack.
The attack, which occurred at Unguwar Magro Village, saw armed bandits storm the mining site, resulting in the deaths of 12 workers.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, addressed the nation on August 22, 2024, condemning the brutal attack and outlining the government’s response.
In a statement released by his spokesman, Segun Tomori, Alake expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that mining sites across Nigeria are secure.
“The attack on our miners is both tragic and unacceptable,” Alake said. “We will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice. The safety of our miners and the integrity of our mining sector are top priorities for us.”
Dr. Alake announced that no mining activities would be permitted at the site of the attack until a thorough investigation has been completed.
The Minister highlighted that the Mining Marshals, a specialized security force within the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, are collaborating with intelligence units and other security agencies to tackle the issue.
Alake emphasised the seriousness with which the government is addressing the banditry problem and vowed to take strong action against those involved.
“There is a new Sheriff in town,” Dr. Alake stated. “Combating banditry in the mining sector is a mandate we are taking seriously.
“Those who think they can invade villages and kill innocent people to make way for illegal mining will find that it is no longer business as usual. We are committed to rooting out these hoodlums and ensuring they face justice.”
The government is also working to uncover the networks behind these attacks.
According to the government, preliminary reports suggest that non-Nigerians might be involved in funding the operations of these criminal gangs.
Alake warned that anyone found to be supporting such activities, including foreign nationals, would face severe legal consequences.
The ban on mining activities at the attack site is a significant move in response to the escalating violence in Nigeria’s mining sector. The country’s mining industry has been increasingly targeted by bandits and criminal groups seeking to exploit mineral-rich areas through violence and intimidation.
Alake’s statement also touched on the broader implications of the violence for Nigeria’s international relations.
He warned that the involvement of foreign nationals in criminal activities could strain diplomatic relations and urged embassies to monitor their nationals’ activities closely.
“Allegations of criminal conduct involving foreign nationals pose serious threats to our bilateral relations,” Dr. Alake noted.
“We expect embassies to take these matters seriously and ensure that their nationals comply with Nigerian laws.”
