The Federal Government has pledged swift justice for the 12 miners brutally murdered by bandits in Niger State, vowing to crack down on illegal mining activities.
Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and assured that security agencies are actively pursuing the culprits.
This information was conveyed in a statement by Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, on Thursday in Abuja.
A ban has been placed on all mining activities at the scene until investigations are complete.
The Mining Marshals, intelligence units, and security agencies are working together to track down the bandits, suspected to have infiltrated from neighboring states.
Dr. Alake warned that those involved in illegal mining will face the full force of the law, stating, “We shall fish out these hoodlums and put their hands to the fire.”
Preliminary investigations suggest non-Nigerians may be funding these operations, and the Minister warned that foreign nationals found complicit will face prosecution for economic sabotage.
The Federal Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all mining operations in Nigeria, promising to leave no stone unturned in bringing justice to the victims of this heinous crime.
