By Umar Audu
The Niger State Government has announced the immediate suspension of mining activities in the state.
The measure is in reaction to the recent terrorist attack on a mining site in Ajata Aboki Village in Shiroro local government area where 48 people were killed.
Announcing the suspension in a statement by the Secretary to the Government, Ahmed Matane, said the decision became necessary as a result of escalating insecurity in those areas.
“It is observed that these mining sites now attract or even accommodate criminals with prospective threats to security of lives and property, the statement stressed,” he said.
Mr Matane added that, “the State Government has directed security agencies in the State to profile all mining sites in the affected Local Governments with a view to ascertaining their genuineness”.
While urging mining operators to comply with the directive, the SSG warned that any mining operator caught engaging in mining activities in the areas mentioned would face the full wrath of the law.
The statement also assured people of the State that Government would not scale down pressure on the terrorist and other criminals until they are flushed out.
