The National Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Cooperative Society (NASSMCS) has expressed deep sorrow over the recent death of 37 miners in Niger State.
Alhaji Abdullahi Dantasidi, the National President of NASSMCS, conveyed the society’s condolences on Sunday in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Dantasidi said the incident was painful and unfortunate.
According to him, the deaths of the miners are not just a big blow to their respective families, but also to the mining sector and Nigeria at large.
“I am deeply shocked, saddened and depressed over this incident.
“These are young men who would have contributed immensely to the growth of the mining sector and the development of Nigeria, but now they are no more.”
He said the alleged manner in which the miners died in NSCDC custody called for concern, and urged the government to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.
He said there was a need for the government to put in place measures to prioritise the security, welfare and interests of miners across the country.
According to him, artisanal miners contribute immensely to the growth of the mining sector and the national economy.
He said the artisanal mining community was deeply concerned about the way its members were often treated.
“We want that to change; without artisanal miners, no one will benefit from the mining sector.
“However you want to tag this group, we are not illegal but artisanal miners, and we go a long way toward helping the government achieve its goals in the mining sector.
“Artisanal miners are the first explorers in the mining sector; we are independent, hardworking and have sacrificed our lives, leaving behind loved ones to go into the bushes.”
He said it was very unfortunate for artisanal miners to be branded as illegal, dumped in a small cell like criminals and allowed to die in large numbers.
“What the government can do is collaborate with this group to achieve mutual benefits,” he said.
He called on the Federal Government to put in place incentives to help maximise the productivity and output of artisanal miners, given the pivotal role the group played in the mining sector.
Dantasidi, who is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dantasidi Group, commiserated with Gov. Umar Bago of Niger and the families of the deceased.
He charged the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate the unfortunate incident and bring all those found culpable to justice.
