NSCDC Commandant said that he has directed the Kogi Divisional Official of NSCDC to liase with the traditional ruler not to allow illegal mining.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has ordered the total stoppage of illegal mining in the state.
The governor gave the directive through the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources following the death of two persons in an illegal mining site after the site’s collapse at Ika-Ogboyaga in Ankpa Local Government Area on August 28.
The names of the deceased were given as Amodu and Attah.
Kogi State Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, in a statement stated that all legal operators should henceforth register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources to enhance peace and criminal-free sites.
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Kogi government expressed worry over the activities of some unknown operators in mining sites and advised them to register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources 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.
The commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyinloye JK, said an investigation had begun to ascertain the owner of the collapsed site.
He also confirmed that the deceased had been buried following Islamic laws.
Oyinloye said that he has directed the Kogi Divisional Official of NSCDC to liase with the traditional ruler not to allow illegal mining in that community.