Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has called for an executive order to stop mining activities in locations considered problematic across the state following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Bago made the call during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday, saying the state required stronger intervention from the Federal Government to effectively address illegal mining.

According to the governor, an order from the Presidency or the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development would provide the necessary authority to halt mining operations in areas where the activity had become difficult to control.

“But these people, because they have tasted the mining money, they cannot leave that side. We need decisive action. We need an executive order from the Presidency or from the Ministry of Mineral Resources to ban mining in certain locations where we have seen they are problematic. Once that is done, it can be enforced,” Bago said.

The governor’s comments followed the death of 37 detainees after anti-illegal mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

Bago had earlier said 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners were detained at an NSCDC facility, with 37 later found dead. The exact cause of the deaths has not been established, with investigations considering factors including overcrowding and possible exposure to hazardous substances.

The NSCDC initially linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak but later said medical examinations would be required to determine the actual cause.

The Federal Government has since suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and 20 other officers pending an independent investigation.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also constituted a 10-member committee to investigate the identities of the deceased, the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and the cause of their deaths. The committee was given two weeks to submit its report.

Bago said the mining problem had become particularly difficult because many residents had become accustomed to the financial returns from the activity.

He also raised concerns about children being drawn into artisanal mining and leaving school, describing the trend as a major challenge for the state.

The governor said the state government would continue to seek answers over the deaths while working to address the wider problems associated with illegal mining.

The post Niger: Bago calls for mining ban in troubled locations after 37 deaths appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.