Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, says the state government was not informed about the arrest and detention of suspected illegal miners who later died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Bago disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television Sunday Politics night while speaking on the deaths of the miners detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.

The incident has generated public concern, with investigations ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any individuals or institutions should be held responsible.

The suspected miners were reportedly arrested by NSCDC personnel during operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state on September 15 and 16.

According to Bago, 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners were taken into custody, while 37 subsequently died.

The governor said the precise cause of the deaths had not been established, noting that overcrowding and possible exposure to hazardous substances were among the factors being examined.

He said the state government only became aware of the arrests after information about the deaths emerged publicly and protests began.

“The Niger State government or its agencies were not aware of any arrests and we were not informed of any arrest at the illegal mining site,” Bago stated.

Shift From Farming To Mining

Bago also expressed concern over the growing shift from farming to mining in some communities across the state.

He said residents who had become accustomed to the financial benefits associated with mining could find it difficult to return to agriculture.

“Mining isn’t just about digging the gold. It’s a big industry, with expatriates from other countries operating in our states without us having the power to halt their activities,” Bago said.

The governor added that some expatriates involved in mining operations had obtained licences, while security agencies and relevant authorities, including the police and the Department of State Services, were aware of their activities. (Channels)