The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned citizens against storing explosive devices in their homes for illegal mining purposes. The warning came during a condolence visit to Sabon Pegi, Niger State, where a dynamite explosion caused loss of lives and significant property damage.
In a statement issued by his special assistant, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris emphasized the dangers posed by such activities, urging individuals involved to stop immediately to avoid further tragedies.
The visit included other high-ranking officials, such as Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, former Governor and Senator representing Niger North, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, and the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji.
Idris disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to reorganize the mining sector to address illegalities and prevent disasters linked to unsafe practices.
“These are tragedies that are virtually man-made, and we cannot allow them to continue. The President has directed the National Orientation Agency to intensify campaigns, advocacy, and enlightenment efforts, especially for those engaged in illegal mining activities,” Idris said.
He further noted that the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has recently embarked on efforts to reorganize mining operations across the country and hopes such measures will be taken seriously to prevent future incidents.
Idris highlighted the President’s concern over the growing number of disasters in the country and reiterated the need for proactive public awareness campaigns.
“First and foremost, we have to understand that this kind of tragedy is happening just too many times in our country, and the President is deeply saddened. He has instructed the National Orientation Agency to carry out advocacy and enlightenment campaigns, especially in rural communities, to avert the recurrence of such incidents,” he stated.
