- The Federal Government cautions citizens against storing explosives at home, highlighting serious risks to lives and property from illegal mining
- Minister Mohammed Idris emphasizes the need for public awareness campaigns to prevent tragedies linked to the illegal storage of explosives
The Federal Government has cautioned citizens against storing explosive devices in their homes for illegal mining activities, warning that such practices pose serious risks to lives and property.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris issued the warning during a condolence visit to Sabon Pegi, Niger State, where a recent dynamite explosion caused multiple deaths and widespread destruction.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to reorganize the sector to curb illegal mining.
“These tragedies are man-made, and we cannot allow them to continue,” Idris said. “The President has instructed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify its campaigns, advocacy, and public awareness efforts, especially in areas affected by illegal mining.”
The minister, who was accompanied by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, former Governor and Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, and Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, stressed that the government is committed to preventing further disasters.
“Illegal storage of explosives is a major safety hazard,” he added. “The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has already begun reorganizing mining activities nationwide, and we hope this incident serves as a serious lesson.”
He also noted that President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the rising number of disasters across the country and has ordered urgent action to prevent future occurrences.
“This kind of tragedy is happening far too often,” Idris stated. “The President has directed NOA to conduct intensified public enlightenment campaigns, especially in rural communities, to prevent such incidents.”
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