Niger Governor Exposes Deadly Security Risk At Mining Locations: Guns And Explosives Everywhere

The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has raised alarm over the alarming presence of firearms and explosives among artisanal miners across various communities in the state, warning of severe security implications.

Governor Bago shared his concerns during a visit to the Sabon-Pegi community in Mashegu Local Government Area, where a dynamite explosion at a miner’s home killed three people and left several others injured.

Recognizing the rich deposits of gold and lithium in Niger State, which has sparked a rise in artisanal mining, the governor stressed that illegal miners often hoard explosives and weapons, heightening insecurity in the area.

In response to the explosion, Bago announced a ₦174 million relief package for the victims of the blast.

The Governor, accompanied by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, among other officials, visited the explosion site on Wednesday.

“We call on people to hand over their explosives and weapons to a security committee made up of law enforcement, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders for safe storage, rather than keeping them at home,” the Governor urged.

Minister Idris conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s condolences over the tragedy, calling it a preventable disaster.

“The president has instructed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to ramp up awareness and education campaigns, particularly targeting those involved in illegal mining, to prevent such incidents in the future,” Idris added.

The President has also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA, and other relevant federal agencies to support the Niger State Government in providing aid to the affected community.

Mashegu LGA Chairman Umar Jibrin Igade reported that 69 individuals were impacted by the explosion, with two confirmed fatalities.