The Federal Government has vowed to avenge the murder of 12 miners shot dead by bandits at Unguwar Magro Village in the Shiroro local government area of Niger State.
The government assured the public that security agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators and will bring them to justice.
In response to the attack, the government has also imposed a ban on all mining activities at the scene until security investigations are fully concluded.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake revealed these measures in a statement today, expressing deep sorrow over the brutal killings. He assured that security forces would intensify efforts to secure mines across the country, preventing bandits and criminal elements from taking control of mineral-rich areas through violence.
Alake stated that mining marshals are collaborating with intelligence units and other security agencies to make this recent attack a focal point for heightened cooperation. The goal is to track and dismantle the operations of the bandits, who are suspected of infiltrating the Shiroro local government area from neighbouring states.
“There’s a new sheriff in town, and we’re taking the fight against banditry in the mining sector very seriously. Those who believe they can invade villages, kill innocent people, and pave the way for illegal mining will soon realise that it’s no longer business as usual. With the mining marshals and intelligence community working together, we will apprehend these criminals and hold them accountable,” the minister warned.
Alake also mentioned that preliminary reports suggest non-Nigerians involved in the mining business may be funding these violent operations. He warned that anyone found guilty of such acts would be prosecuted for economic sabotage and waging war against the Nigerian State.
In a statement by the minister’s special assistant on media, Segun Tomori, Alake also cautioned foreign embassies in Nigeria to monitor the activities of their nationals in the mining sector. He noted that any allegations of criminal conduct could seriously threaten bilateral relations between Nigeria and other countries.
