Two people have been confirmed dead in an illegal mining operation after a collapse at a site in Ika – Ogboyaga, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), confirmed the deaths yesterday in a press statement.
The statement was signed by the Corps’ head of solid minerals, Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC), Nkom Samson Katung, on behalf of the Commandant, Oyinloye JK.
The State NSCDC gave the names of the victims simply as Amodu and Attah.
According to the statement, the incident happened on Saturday, August 27, at about 1620hrs, while the deceased person’s corpses had been dug out and buried according to Islamic rites.
The NSCDC boss noted that investigation is on to ascertain the owner of the site, while he has directed the divisional official of NSCDC to liaise with the traditional ruler not to allow further illegal activities in that community for until investigation is completed.
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Meanwhile, the Kogi State government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources has directed total stoppage of illegal mining in the state.
According to the statement signed by the Kogi State Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Bashiru Gegu, all legal operators should henceforth register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources to enhance peace and crime free sites.
Expressing worries over activities of unknown operators in mining sites, the government advised them to register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources to ascertain genuine miners.
The state said it will close down erring mining operators and sites, who failed to adhere to the directive.