The Niger State Government has condemned Tuesday deadly attack at Zuzungi Kataeregi mining site in Katcha Local Government Area, during which a police officer was killed and a patrol van of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) burnt by suspected illegal miners.
The government has consequently ordered its temporary closure, according to a statement on Friday by the Permanent Secretary, Niger State
Ministry of Mineral Resources, Mr Idris Legbo.
Lego described the incident as criminal and unacceptable, adding that the attack constituted a direct assault on lawful mining operations and governmental authority.
Preliminary reports indicate the violence arose while the security team were trying to intercept individuals suspected of illegally smuggling extracted minerals from the mining site.
Legbo emphasised that the mining site was duly licensed, legally recognised, and fully compliant with all statutory approvals and regulations.
