ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Government has sought the collaboration of the Nigerian Army in enforcing the ban on illegal mining in the state.
The Niger state Governor, Mohammed Bago disclosed this while speaking to journalists in Abuja over the recent collapse of a mining site in the state.
The Niger state governor who decried the activities of illegal and artisanal miners in the state, decried the impact on the environment.
The governor expressed optimism that partnering with the Nigerian Army would strengthen the task force established to execute the ban on illegal mining in the State.
The Governor noted that Shiroro and Munya local government areas are the worst hit by insecurity in the state, due to the activities of illegal and artisanal miners.
The governor who also described the incident as unpleasant, prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and quick healing to the injured.
About 30 miners were trapped in a mining pit after it collapsed in the Galadiman Kogo community in Shiroro local government area of Niger state.
One person was confirmed dead while six others were rescued with severe injuries following the incident which occurred on Monday evening.
Confirming the incident, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Arah, in a statement said that the miners were working for a company identified as African Minerals and logistics limited.
