The Niger State Government has condemned a deadly attack at Zuzungi Kataeregi mining site in Katcha LGA, ordering its temporary closure.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mineral Resources, Idris Legbo, disclosed this on Friday in Minna, the state capital.
He said the incident was a crime and unacceptable, adding that a security officer was killed in the attack.
Legbo said the invaders destroyed a joint patrol vehicle and constituted a direct assault on lawful mining operations and governmental authority.
According to him, preliminary reports indicate the violence arose from tensions between illegal mineral dealers and security personnel operating at the site.
Legbo said the mining site was duly licensed, legally recognised, and fully compliant with all statutory approvals and regulations.
The conflict followed security agents intercepting mining materials from illegal operators at the site.
Dealers allegedly purchased minerals directly from artisanal miners, depriving the licensed company of benefits and reselling to unregistered entities.
