The Federal Government has vowed to avenge the brutal killing of 12 miners who were shot to death by bandits at Unguwar Magro Village in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The government assured that security agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators and will ensure they are brought to justice.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made the commitments in a statement today, mourning the tragic loss of innocent workers at the mining site.
He emphasized that the government will not allow any form of mining activity to occur at the scene of the attack until security agencies have completed their investigations.
The Minister highlighted that the Mining Marshals, in collaboration with intelligence units and other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to track the bandits, who are suspected to have infiltrated the area from neighbouring states.
He said the attack has been designated a special case, prompting a coordinated response from all relevant agencies to uncover the bandits’ operations.
Alake stressed that under the current administration, combating banditry in the mining sector is a top priority.
“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 to make way for illegal mining of their rich minerals, will be shocked to discover that it is no longer business as usual,” he stated.
He assured that the Mining Marshals, working closely with the intelligence community, will track down these criminals and ensure they face the full force of the law.
The Minister also revealed that preliminary reports indicate the involvement of non-Nigerians in funding such illegal mining operations.
He warned that anyone found guilty of such activities would be prosecuted for economic sabotage and waging war against the Nigerian state.
Alake urged foreign embassies in Nigeria to closely monitor the activities of their nationals in the mining sector, warning that any involvement in criminal conduct could threaten bilateral relations between Nigeria and other countries.
Recall that the minister recently revealed that Nigeria’s mineral resources are currently valued at over $700 billion.
Alake made the statement while speaking at an event on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, with the theme: “From critical minerals to energy transition: Africa in the driver’s seat.”
He said there is potential for further discoveries, demonstrating Nigeria’s readiness to meet the growing global demand for the essential resources.
