The Federal Government has warned people against keeping explosives in their homes for illegal mining, saying such actions put lives and property in danger.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the warning on Thursday, January 30, 2025, during a visit to Sabon Pegi, Niger State, where a dynamite explosion on Monday killed several people and destroyed buildings.
A statement from the minister’s Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, detailed the visit. Idris was joined by 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.
Idris said President Bola Tinubu had ordered the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to reorganise the mining sector to stop illegal activities.
“These tragedies are man-made, and we cannot allow them to continue. The President has directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify campaigns and advocacy efforts, particularly targeting those engaged in illegal mining,” he said.
The minister noted that mining-related explosions were becoming more common in Nigeria and stressed that the government would act to stop future disasters.
“This is happening too often, and the President is deeply saddened. He has mandated the NOA to ramp up its public awareness campaigns, especially in rural communities, to avert a recurrence,” Idris added.
He praised the Niger State Government for responding quickly to the incident. He also announced that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, along with the National Emergency Management Agency, had been directed to provide relief and support to victims.
Earlier, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the explosion was caused by a resident, Yushua Maikampala, who was illegally storing explosives.
