Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has urged the Federal Government to issue an executive order banning mining activities in areas considered problematic across the state. This call follows the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The incident occurred during anti-illegal mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. Governor Bago made the call during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
According to Governor Bago, a stronger intervention from the Federal Government is required to effectively address illegal mining in the state. He stated that an order from the Presidency or the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development would provide the necessary authority to halt mining operations in areas where the activity had become difficult to control. Bago emphasized that decisive action is needed to address the issue, as many residents have become accustomed to the financial returns from mining.
The governor’s comments were made after 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners were detained at an NSCDC facility, with 37 later found dead. The exact cause of the deaths has not been established, with investigations considering factors including overcrowding and possible exposure to hazardous substances. The NSCDC initially linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak but later said medical examinations would be required to determine the actual cause.
The Federal Government has since taken action, suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and 20 other officers pending an independent investigation. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also constituted a 10-member committee to investigate the identities of the deceased, the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and the cause of their deaths. The committee was given two weeks to submit its report.
Governor Bago expressed concerns about the trend of children being drawn into artisanal mining and leaving school, describing it as a major challenge for the state. He emphasized that the state government would continue to seek answers over the deaths while working to address the wider problems associated with illegal mining. Bago noted that many residents have become accustomed to the financial returns from mining, making it difficult to control.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) knocking the Federal Government over its failure to rescue Dekara abduction victims. A witness also alleged that a ₦50,000 fee was required to see the bodies of the dead miners. Governor Bago revealed disturbing signs found on the bodies of the 37 dead miners, although the exact cause of the deaths remains unknown.
Governor Bago’s call for a mining ban in troubled locations is aimed at addressing the root causes of the problem. The state government is working to address the wider problems associated with illegal mining, including the involvement of children and the financial returns from the activity. The Federal Government’s investigation into the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners is ongoing, with a report expected from the 10-member committee soon.
Key points
- Governor Bago calls for executive order to ban mining in troubled locations
- 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody
- Investigation into deaths is ongoing, with report expected soon
