A group of angry miners stormed the MI Wushishi housing estate in Minna, the capital of Niger State, on Tuesday, causing extensive damage to properties worth millions of Naira.
Nigerianmining reports that the conflict began when police attempted to chase away miners who were digging for gold within the residential area. Concerned community members had earlier informed the police about the miners infiltrating their neighbourhood.
The miners, who had vowed to return with reinforcements, invaded the community in large numbers, driving out residents and destroying vehicles and buildings as they fled their homes in fear of further attacks.
The miscreants broke into houses at a time of the day when most of the inhabitants had gone out for their daily activities.
The neighbourhood is said to be blessed with abundant solid mineral deposits, especially gold, making it attractive to illegal mining businesses, while the area remains mostly vulnerable to violent crimes.
The situation remains tense, with many calling for increased security measures to protect residents and prevent further violence.
Reacting to the incident, Yusuf Mami, the state chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, stated that the attackers were not members of the association and denied any involvement in the destruction. He acknowledged, however, that some local youths dig up soil in search of gold and may become violent as a result.
