The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned against the storage of explosive devices in residential areas for illegal mining activities.
His warning was shared in a statement posted Thursday on the official X handle of the Federal Ministry of Information & National Orientation.
Idris made the remarks on Wednesday in Sabon Pegi, Niger State, during a condolence visit to residents affected by Monday’s dynamite explosion, which resulted in multiple casualties and extensive property damage.
The Minister stressed that storing explosives for illegal mining poses severe dangers to lives and property, urging those involved to stop immediately. He added that President Bola Tinubu had directed the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to restructure the sector to curb such illegal activities.
“These tragedies are largely man-made, and we cannot allow them to continue. The President has instructed the National Orientation Agency to intensify its advocacy, awareness, and enlightenment efforts, particularly targeting those involved in illegal mining. This community is rich in mineral resources, and we must ensure they are exploited safely and legally.
“Recently, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development began reorganizing mining activities across the country, and we expect them to take this lesson very seriously,” Idris said.
He also highlighted the President’s deep concern over the increasing number of disasters nationwide, directing the National Orientation Agency to enhance public awareness campaigns to prevent further occurrences.
“This type of tragedy is happening far too often in our country. The President is deeply saddened and has instructed the National Orientation Agency to carry out targeted advocacy and awareness campaigns, especially in rural communities, to help prevent future incidents,” he stated.
Accompanying him on the visit were Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, former Governor and Senator representing Niger North, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, and Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, among other officials.
