The Federal Government has cautioned against the storage of explosive devices in residential areas, particularly for illegal mining, citing the grave dangers it poses to lives and property.
According to The PUNCH, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued the warning on Thursday, January 30, 2025, during a condolence visit to Sabon Pegi, Niger State.
The visit followed a devastating dynamite explosion on Monday, which resulted in multiple fatalities and significant property damage.
“These tragedies are man-made, and we cannot allow them to continue,” Idris said. “The President has directed the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to reorganize the sector to curb illegal activities.”
His remarks were contained in a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim.
Idris was accompanied by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, former Governor and Senator representing Niger North, Abubakar Sani Bello, and Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, among other top government officials.
Highlighting the rising cases of mining-related disasters, Idris stressed that President Bola Tinubu had instructed the National Orientation Agency to intensify awareness campaigns, particularly targeting illegal miners.
“This is happening too often, and the President is deeply saddened. He has mandated the NOA to ramp up its public awareness campaigns, especially in rural communities, to avert a recurrence,” he stated.
The minister commended the Niger State Government for its prompt response to the tragedy and revealed that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, alongside the National Emergency Management Agency, had been directed to provide immediate relief to the victims.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, confirmed that the explosion was linked to the illegal stockpiling of explosives by a resident, Yushua Maikampala.
The Federal Government has vowed to take decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
