Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning against the illegal storage of explosive devices in homes for mining activities, citing the severe risks posed to lives and property.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the statement on Thursday, January 30, 2025, during a condolence visit to Sabon Pegi, Niger State, where a dynamite explosion on Monday resulted in fatalities and extensive destruction.
The details were shared in a statement by the minister’s Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim.
Idris, who was accompanied by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, former Governor and Senator for Niger North, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, and Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, highlighted the urgency of addressing illegal explosives storage.
He revealed that President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to reorganise the sector to tackle the growing illegalities.
“These tragedies are man-made, and we cannot allow them to continue. The President has directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify campaigns and advocacy efforts, particularly targeting those engaged in illegal mining,” Idris stated.
The Minister also condemned the recent increase in mining-related accidents across Nigeria and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to taking decisive action to prevent future disasters.
“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 added.
Idris commended the swift response of the Niger State Government and announced that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, alongside the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), would provide immediate relief and support for the victims of the explosion.
Earlier, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, confirmed that the explosion was caused by the illegal stockpiling of explosives by a resident, Yushua Maikampala.