No fewer than two laborers at an illegal local mining site in Kogi State have been confirmed dead after the site collapsed on Saturday evening at Ika-Ogboyaga in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps confirmed the incidence in a statement.
According to the statement signed by the DCC, Samson Katung, Head of Solid Minerals, the deceased whom were simply identified by their first names as Amodu and Attah, have been dug out and buried according to Islamic rites.
The NSCDC said an investigation is on to ascertain the owner of the site, adding that he has directed the Divisional Official of NSCDC to liaise with the traditional ruler not to allow further illegal activities in that community for now until the investigation is completed.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources has directed the total stoppage of illegal mining in the state.
According to the statement signed by the Kogi State Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, the ministry said all legal operators should henceforth register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources to enhance peace and criminal-free sites.
The statement the government is worried about the activities of some unknown operators in mining sites, however, advising them to register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources so as to ascertain the genuine Miners.
The Statement said failure to adhere to the directive, the State Government will close down the erring mining operators and sites.
Also recall that the Ilorin Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, had earlier disclosed that the commission would beam its searchlight on illegal mining in Kogi, Kwara and Ekiti states.
