Kogi government bans illegal mining

By Konyinsola Dawodu

Illegal mining has been banned by the Kogi State government in every part of the State.

The order came as a reaction to the death of two people at an illegal mining site at Ika-Ogboyaga, Ankpa Local Government Area of the State when a portion of a mining bed caved in.

The death of the two victims, identified as Attah and Amodu, took place on Saturday.

Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Bashiru Gegu, directed that, henceforth, all operators should register with the ministry.

According to the statement, failure to adhere to the directive, the State government would clamp down on the mining operators and sites.

Meanwhile, the State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), says it has begun an investigation to ascertain the owner of the collapsed site.

The head of solid minerals of the command, Nkom Samson Katung, explained that divisional officers had been directed to link up with the traditional ruler of the community to suspend illegal activities in the area.