Kogi bans illegal mining as 2 die at mining Site.
Kogi State Government has directed that all illegal mining operations in the state be suspended.
The directive followed the report of the death of two persons in a mining pit, suspected to be illegal miners at Ikea Ogboyaga in Ankpa local government area of the state.
A statement signed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Muhammed Abubakar Bashir Gegu said all illegal operators should henceforth register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources to checkmate criminality and ensure peace and a criminal-free society.
The Government is not comfortable with the activities of some operators at the mining sites and therefore advised them to register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources to ascertain their genuineness.
The Statement warned that failure to adhere to the directive will face the wrath of the State Government, which will not hesitate to close down the erring mining sites.
Global Times Nigeria reports that the Ike Ogboyaga community on Saturday last week indicate that a mining pit caved in, killing two young men involved in local mining.
Confirming the unfortunate incident in a statement signed by DCC Samson Katung, Head of Solid Minerals, on behalf of Commandant Oyinloye JK of the NSCDC, Kogi State Command, said the corpses of the deceased have been recovered and buried according to Islamic rites.
The NSCDC said the investigation has commenced to ascertain the owner of the site.
The Divisional Officers of NSCDC have been directed to liaise with the Traditional rulers in a bid to curb further illegal activities in that community.
