From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu has directed the total stoppage of illegal mining in the state.
The directives was sequel to the death of two persons in an illegal mining site after the collapse of a site at Ika-Ogboyaga in Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi state.
According to the statement signed by the Kogi State Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, said all legal operators should henceforth register with Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources to enhance peace and criminal free sites.
The Government says it is worried by the activities of some unknown operators in mining sites, advised them to register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources so as to ascertain the genuine Miners in the state.
The Statement said failure to adhere to the directive, the State Government will close down the erring mining operators and sites.
It would be recalled that on Saturday 27/8/22 at about 1620hrs, a mining site collapsed at Ika Ogboyaga of Ankpa Local Government killing two young men, Amodu and Attah who were involved in local mining tragedy.
In a statement signed by DCC. NKOM Samson Katung, Head of Solid Minerals, for Comdt Oyinloye JK of the NSCDC, Kogi State Command who confirmed the incident said the corpse have been dug out and since been buried according to Islamic rites.
The NSCDC said investigation is on to ascertain the owner of the site warning Traditional rulers not to allow further illegal activities in that community until the completion of the investigation.
