Kogi Assembly Seeks Relief, Safety Measures After Ankpa Mining Tragedy

The Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the state government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA) and other relevant agencies to urgently provide relief, medical assistance and other support to victims of the recent mining tragedy in Enjema District, Ankpa Local Government Area of the state.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Ankpa II State Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Abbas, during Tuesday’s plenary.

Abbas said the incident, which occurred on July 14, 2026, at Alufele in Enjema District, claimed several lives and underscored the need for stronger safety measures and responsible mining practices across the state.

He said government had a constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and welfare of citizens, stressing that the exploitation of Kogi’s mineral resources must be accompanied by sound environmental and safety practices.

According to him, Kogi is richly endowed with solid minerals, particularly coal, which has the potential to drive industrialisation, create jobs and boost economic development.

He noted that artisanal mining provides livelihoods for many residents and supports economic activities in host communities, but said the tragedy had exposed the urgent need to improve safety standards and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.

Abbas urged relevant authorities to intensify public awareness on mine safety and provide artisanal miners with technical guidance, capacity building and alternative livelihood opportunities, especially where regulatory measures temporarily affect their operations.

He said government must move beyond condolences by taking decisive steps to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.

The Assembly subsequently urged the state government to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, security agencies, local government councils, traditional institutions, host communities and licensed mining operators to strengthen community-based monitoring and promote safe mining practices.

It also called for environmental restoration, technical support, vocational training and alternative livelihood programmes for artisanal miners affected by regulatory measures.

Seconding the motion, the member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, Hon. Abu Onoru-Oiza Abu, proposed an additional prayer for the House to summon mining operators in Ankpa LGA to explain the safety measures put in place to prevent future accidents.

Ruling on the motion, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf, stressed the need for lawmakers to present empirical evidence when raising issues affecting their constituents.

He also called for stronger safety measures in mining operations across the state.