The Niger State Government has ordered the temporary closure of a mining site in Katcha Local Government Area following a deadly attack that claimed the life of a security officer.
The directive was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mineral Resources, Mr. Idris Legbo.
The affected mining site is located at Zuzungi Kataeregi in Katcha Local Government Area.
Legbo condemned the incident, describing it as criminal and unacceptable. He disclosed that the attack resulted in the death of a security operative and the destruction of a joint patrol vehicle.
According to him, the incident constituted a direct assault on lawful mining operations and governmental authority.
Preliminary findings indicate that the violence stemmed from tensions between illegal mineral dealers and security personnel deployed to oversee operations at the site.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that the mining operation was duly licensed, legally recognised, and fully compliant with statutory approvals and regulatory requirements.
The conflict reportedly escalated after security agents intercepted mining materials allegedly sourced by illegal operators.
It was further gathered that the illegal dealers were purchasing minerals directly from artisanal miners, thereby depriving the licensed company of its lawful benefits and reselling the products to unregistered entities.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing mining regulations and maintaining security in the sector.
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