Two people were said to have lost their lives at an illegal mining site in Ika-Ogboyaga, Ankpa local government area of Kogi state.
The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kogi state command, Mr. John Oyinloye, made the disclosure on Monday in Lokoja in a statement signed by by DCC. NKOM Samson Katung, Head of Solid Minerals of the Command.
According to the statement, the two deceased young men, Amodu and Attah, met their death on Saturday at 4.20 p.m when the mining site collapsed on them.
He added that their remains had been buried according to Islamic rites.
Oyinloye said the command had commenced investigation into the tragedy to ascertain the ownership of the site.
The commandant added that he has directed the Divisional Official of NSCDC to liaise with the traditional ruler not to allow further illegal activities in that community for now until the investigation is completed.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources has directed the total stoppage of illegal mining in the state.
According to the statement signed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, the ministry said all legal operators should henceforth register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources to enhance peace and criminal-free sites.
The statement the government is worried about the activities of some unknown operators in mining sites, however, advising them to register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural resources so as to ascertain the genuine miners.
The statement said failure to adhere to the directive, the State Government will close down the erring mining operators and sites.
