By Musa Shatima Nasidi
Two persons have been confirmed dead following illegal mining in Ika-Ogboyaga community in Ankpa local government area of Kogi state.
The incident occurred on Saturday about 4pm as a mining site collapsed at Ika Ogboyaga where the two lost their lives.
In a statement signed by the Head of Solid Minerals, Kogi state Command of NSCDC Oyinloye JK, who confirmed the incident said the corpses had been evacuated and buried according to Islamic rites.
The NSCDC said investigation was on to ascertain the owner of the site as he has directed the divisional official of NSCDC to liaise with the traditional ruler of the community not to allow further illegal activities there until investigation is completed.
The names of the deceased were given as Amodu and Attah.
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.
The directive followed the death of two persons in an illegal mining site after the collapse of the mining site at Ika-Ogboyaga community in Ankpa local government area of the state.
The Kogi state Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, said all legal operators should henceforth register with the ministry.
