Miners Association President clears members involvement in Abuja mudslide tragedy
The National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dele Ayanleke, has clarified that no member of the association was involved in any mining activities responsible for the alleged mudslide that claimed 30 lives in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking with Vanguard, Ayanleke stated that he has not received any reports from the Abuja Chapter of the Association regarding the incident in Kuje Area Council.
Recalling a recent meeting where the Chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT met with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Ayanleke emphasized that it was communicated to the Minister that 30 individuals lost their lives due to mudslides attributed to mining activities.
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He added, “They should identify the culprits, and it’s essential to note that not all miners are members of the Miners Association of Nigeria. To date, I have not received any reports from the Abuja Chapter of the Association implicating our members.”
However, the President of the miners stressed the importance of distinguishing between illegal miners and artisanal miners, cautioning against indiscriminate use of the term “illegal miner.”
“This is what we are emphasizing about the indiscriminate use of the term ‘illegal miner’ or ‘illegal mining.’ Our members, for the most part, are corporate organizations with valid incorporation certificates and mining titles. The issue of artisanal miners, often involving locals or indigenes, is where illegality tends to occur. These individuals are essentially scavengers, seeking sustenance within their localities.”
Ayanleke concluded, “Therefore, I believe the government should focus its efforts in that direction, as when such incidents occur, it’s typically the locals who are more involved than outsiders.”
