“Niger Governor Raises Alarm Over Rising Security Threats from Artisanal Miners”

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has once again raised concerns about the increasing security threats posed by artisanal miners in the state, particularly regarding their access to firearms and explosives. Bago’s remarks came during a visit to the Sabon-Pegi community in Mashegu Local Government Area, where a dynamite explosion at a miner’s residence led to fatalities, injuries, and significant property damage.

Accompanied by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, former Governor and Senator representing Niger North, Abubakar Sani Bello, and Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, Bago emphasized the growing danger of illegal mining activities. He expressed concern that miners were stockpiling explosives, which posed a serious risk to public safety.

Governor Bago urged residents to surrender any explosives and dangerous weapons to a security committee that includes law enforcement agencies, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and traditional leaders. This move aims to ensure that such materials are safely stored, rather than being kept in homes where they could cause further harm.

In response to the explosion, Bago announced a N174 million relief package to support the victims. He reassured affected families that the government is committed to improving security measures and curbing illegal mining activities that contribute to these incidents.

During the visit, Minister Mohammed Idris, speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, described the explosion as a preventable tragedy. He reiterated the federal government’s determination to address illegal mining and stressed the severe risks posed by the storage of explosives. Idris called on those involved in illegal mining to cease their activities immediately and pledged that the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development would undertake a restructuring of the mining sector to curb illegal practices.

“The President has instructed that the National Orientation Agency step up its campaigns and raise awareness, particularly among those involved in illegal mining activities,” Idris said. “The federal government is committed to ensuring that such tragedies do not occur again.”

Shawulu Danmamman, the Commissioner of Police, also expressed his dismay at the dynamite explosion, which he called “unfortunate.” He attributed the explosion to the careless storage of dynamite in residential areas, a practice that was allegedly concealed by members of the community.

The Governor and other officials emphasized the need for immediate reforms and heightened security measures to combat the growing threat posed by illegal mining, which continues to endanger lives and property in Niger State.