FG vows to bring killers of 12 Miners in Niger to justice

…Suspends mining at attack site

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has pledged to bring justice to the 12 miners who were brutally killed by bandits at Unguwar Magiro Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. Authorities have assured the public that security agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators and are committed to ensuring they face the full force of the law.

In response to the tragic incident, the government has suspended all mining activities at the site until security agencies complete their investigations.

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated that the government is determined to secure mines across the country from bandits and criminal elements who attempt to seize control of mineral-rich areas through violence.

In a statement released on Thursday by his spokesperson, Segun Tomori, Alake emphasized that Mining Marshals are working closely with intelligence units and other security agencies to prioritize this case. The goal is to track and dismantle the operations of the bandits, who are believed to have infiltrated Shiroro from neighboring states. The Minister stressed that this tragic event will lead to stronger collaboration among all agencies to prevent future attacks.

“There is a new sheriff in town, and combating banditry in the mining sector is a mandate we are taking seriously. Those who think they can invade villages, kill innocent people, and illegally mine their rich minerals will soon realize that it is no longer business as usual. With the Mining Marshals working alongside the intelligence community, we will track down these criminals and hold them accountable,” Alake stated.

The Minister also revealed that preliminary reports have implicated non-Nigerians involved in the mining business as financiers of such operations. He warned that anyone found guilty of funding these activities will be prosecuted for economic sabotage and waging war against the Nigerian state.

Alake further cautioned foreign embassies in Nigeria to monitor the activities of their nationals in the mining sector, noting that allegations of criminal conduct pose serious threats to Nigeria’s bilateral relations with other countries.