Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has raised the alarm over the proliferation of firearms and explosives among artisanal miners in Niger State, warning of the grave security implications.
His concern follows a devastating dynamite explosion in Sabon-Pegi community, Mashegu Local Government Area (LGA), which claimed three lives and left several others injured.
During a visit to the scene of the explosion, Governor Bago described the incident as tragic and preventable.
He noted that Niger State’s vast gold and lithium deposits have attracted numerous artisanal miners, many of whom illegally store dangerous explosives and firearms, heightening security challenges.
“We urge the people to surrender their explosives and dangerous weapons to a security committee comprising law enforcement agencies, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), traditional institutions, and other relevant stakeholders for safe storage, rather than keeping them at homes,” the governor urged.
In response to the tragedy, the governor announced a N174 million relief package to support victims and help the affected community recover.
Accompanying the governor was the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s concern over the disaster.
“The president has described the incident as preventable and has directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify advocacy campaigns, particularly targeting illegal miners, to avert future occurrences,” Idris stated.
Mashegu LGA Chairman, Umar Jibrin Igade, confirmed that the explosion affected 69 people, with two fatalities. Six injured persons were treated and discharged from the hospital. The explosion also destroyed 17 houses, partially damaged 35 others, and affected nine vehicles.
In response to the security threat, the Mashegu Local Government Council has imposed a temporary ban on artisanal mining.
Igade called on his counterpart in Magama LGA, which shares a border with Mashegu, to enforce a similar ban to strengthen security measures.
