Scores Injured In Niger As Illegal Miners Attack Mining Marshals

Scores of persons have been injured in a clash between uspected illegal miners and mining marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The incident occurred when the illegal miners allegedly resisted arrest at mining sites in Sabon Daga in Bosso local government area of Niger State.

Sources said the illegal miners attacked the mining marshals who were at Sabon Daga, notorious for illegal mining of gold and gems stone, to effect their arrest in the ongoing raid of illegal mining sites in the state.

LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that the incident occured at about 9 am yesterday when the illegal miners carrying dangerous weapons resisted arrest by the marshals.

It was learnt that the situation led to break down of law and order in Sabon Daga causing serious gridlock along the ever busy Minna-Bida road.

It was learnt that scores were injured from both sides.

The NSCDC Niger State Command public relations officer DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti confirmed that “at approximately 9:22 am, our personnel were attacked by hoodlums while attempting to arrest suspects engaging in illegal mining activities”.

“Despite being attacked, our personnel exercised restraint and pulled out of the area without escalating the situation” he stated.

He added that “We wish to clarify that there was no loss of life or injury to civilians during this incident. Our personnel acted professionally, and the damage reported was limited to our vehicles”.

He said the corp is committed to protecting the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure.