Two persons have lost their lives at Ika-Ogboyaga mining site in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State after a portion of the structure suddenly caved in.
It was gathered that the incident happened on Saturday, killing two young men identified as Attah and Amodu.
An eyewitness said locals who got wind of the incident rushed to the site, removed the victims’ bodies and buried them according to Islamic rites.
Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed the incident, saying that it happened around 4.20pm on Saturday.
According to Deputy Corps Commandant and Head of Solid Minerals of the state command, Nkom Samson Katung, the operatives of the command had commenced investigation to ascertain the owner of the collapsed site.
He added that the divisional officers of the command had been directed to link up with the traditional ruler of the community to suspend further illegal activities in the area.
Meanwhile, the state government has also directed the total stoppage of illegal mining in the state.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, said all legal operators should henceforth register with Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources to enhance peaceful and criminal-free sites.
The government stated further that the activities of some unknown operators in mining sites had become worrisome; saying that failure to adhere to the directive of registration would make the government to clamp down on erring mining operators and sites. (Daily Trust)
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