The Federal Government has vowed to bring to justice the perpetrators behind the killing of 12 miners in Unguwar Magro Village, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.
According to The PUNCH, the miners were shot dead by suspected bandits at a local mining site.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, the government assured that security forces are actively pursuing the assailants.
“Security agencies are on their trail and will soon bring them to face the wrath of the law,” Alake stated.
The minister also announced that mining activities at the attack site have been halted until investigations are complete.
“No form of mining will be allowed to occur at the scene of the attack until security agencies have concluded their investigations,” he said.
Expressing his condolences over the brutal killings, Alake emphasised that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of mining sites across Nigeria.
He warned that those attempting to seize control of mineral-rich areas through violence and illegal mining activities would be met with serious consequences.
“There is a new sheriff in town, and combating banditry in the mining sector is a mandate we are taking seriously,” Alake declared. “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.”
The statement, signed by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, further revealed that mining marshals are collaborating with intelligence units and other security agencies to track the bandits’ movements and operations.
Alake noted that the attackers are believed to have infiltrated Shiroro Local Government Area from neighbouring states.
In addition, preliminary reports suggest that foreign nationals involved in illegal mining operations may be financing these violent activities. The minister warned that any foreigner found culpable would face prosecution for economic sabotage and “waging war against the Nigerian State.
He also urged embassies in Nigeria to monitor their nationals involved in the mining sector closely, as criminal activities could strain diplomatic relations.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, left at least 13 people dead at the mining site. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen arrived at the site and immediately opened fire, resulting in significant casualties.
With the recent spate of violence, the government has reiterated its commitment to restoring safety and order in mining communities across the country.
“With the mining marshals working with the intelligence community, we shall fish out these hoodlums and put their hands to the fire,” Alake affirmed.
