FEDERAL MINISTRY OF MINING DEPLOYS EXPERTS TO PROBE DEATH OF 37 ILLEGAL MINERS IN MINNA

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals has deployed a team of experts to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Faruk Yusuf Yabo, disclosed this when he led a delegation on behalf of the minister to condole with the government and people of the state over the incident.

He said the team of experts is expected to come out with a detailed and satisfactory report on what led to the deaths of the 37 illegal miners.

According to him, “I extend the deepest condolences of the minister and ministry to the governor, his cabinet, and the people, especially the families of the victims of this highly tragic incident.

“This is totally an unacceptable situation. Mining should be for the good of all and not a basis to lose lives, he said.

He assured mining workers that the ministry is committed to making sure such an incident does not happen again.

The Permanent Secretary noted the need to ensure that the right procedures are adhered to in all mining activities.

In his remarks, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago appreciated the Permanent Secretary and the entire ministry for the visit.

“Though it is too early for a conclusion to be drawn on the root causes, the information available to us now indicated that the illegal miners might have died of suffocation or exposure to certain poisoning substances,” he said.

He said the team of experts deployed to the state would be of help to the committee of inquiry already set up by the state government.

The Governor disclosed the suspension of all mining activities across the state until the ongoing investigations are over.

He called on the ministry to work closely with the state government so as to enforce responsible mining in the state.