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By Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Media for Social Change Foundation has raised the alarm over the growing number of deaths linked to Nigeria’s mining sector, calling for urgent reforms and accountability to protect lives.
In a statement signed by its co-founders, Boluwaji Obahopo and Opeyemi Owoeye, the organization described the trend as disturbing, citing the deaths of over 20 miners each in separate shaft collapses in Kogi and Taraba states, as well as the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The foundation stressed that the incidents highlight the need for the country to move beyond its usual focus on illegal mining and enforcement, to instead prioritize the protection and value of human life.
“A miner should not be forced to choose between risking death inside a mine or risking their life in the course of government activities,” the statement read.
He expressed particular concern about the incident in Niger State, noting that the deaths occurred after people had been taken into custody.
The group called for an independent and transparent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths, adding that forensic examinations and autopsies were already underway.
While acknowledging the ongoing investigations, the organization insisted that Nigerians deserve better than inquests that fizzle out without results, stressing that “every death must have an answer” and that accountability must follow where wrongdoing is established.
The statement further notes that recurring tragedies in Kogi, Taraba and Niger states highlight systemic failures in protecting vulnerable actors in Nigeria’s mining sector.
He called for a complete review of mining regulations, enforcement operations and the treatment of people arrested in connection with alleged illegal mining activities.
The foundation warned that efforts to curb illegal mining must not become a pretext for abuse, insisting that no mineral resource is worth the loss of life.
It also urged authorities to ensure that investigations into recent incidents are transparent, with findings made public and accountability assigned where negligence or violations are demonstrated.
Additionally, the group supported the creation of safe reporting channels so that miners and host communities can report dangerous mining activities and unsafe enforcement practices without fear of retaliation.
The organization concluded by urging the government to take proactive measures to prevent further loss of life, warning that Nigeria must move from reacting to tragedies to addressing their root causes.
“The wealth beneath our soil cannot be allowed to become a recurring source of graves above it,” the statement adds.
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