The Federal Government has suspended mining activities at the Shiroro site in Niger State after bandits killed 12 miners in Unguwar Magro Village, Shiroro Local Government Area. Security agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators, and the government has vowed to bring them to justice.
Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and assured the public that no mining activities would resume at the site until the ongoing investigations by security agencies are complete. He emphasised that the government is committed to preventing criminal elements from seizing control of mineral-rich areas through violence.
The Minister also highlighted that Mining Marshals, in collaboration with intelligence units and other security agencies, are making this case a priority. They are determined to track down and dismantle the operations of the bandits, suspected to have infiltrated Shiroro from neighbouring states.
“There is a new sheriff in town, and combatting 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 of their rich minerals, will be shocked to discover that it is no longer business as usual,” Dr. Alake declared.
“With the Mining Marshals working alongside the intelligence community, we will hunt down these criminals and hold them accountable.”
Preliminary reports suggest that non-Nigerians involved in the mining business may be funding such illegal operations. Dr. Alake warned that anyone found guilty of economic sabotage or waging war against the Nigerian state would be prosecuted.
He also urged embassies in Nigeria to monitor the activities of their nationals in the mining sector, noting that allegations of criminal conduct could strain diplomatic relations between Nigeria and other nations.
