,,,,,Government Crackdown on Illegal Mining.
By correspondent in Minna.
Uneasy calm has settled over Minna, Niger State capital, a geo-political expression in north central Nigeria,following a violent invasion by hoodlums who attacked the M I Wushishi housing estate and the Eastern By-Pass on Tuesday.
Our correspondent reports that the attackers, numbering in the dozens, wreaked havoc on properties, including six cars and multiple business and residential buildings.
The Reporters reports that the assault, which took place in broad daylight while many residents were away at work, appears to be a retaliatory act linked to the state government’s recent crackdown on illegal miners.
The invaders, reportedly chanting anti-government slogans, faced no immediate intervention from security forces.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, identified some attackers as illegal gold miners and relayed threats made by the assailants to evict the entire estate if their activities were reported.
In response, local residents are urging for the establishment of a police outpost in the area to bolster security and prevent future attacks.
They have previously appealed to the state police commissioner for assistance, but feel that more substantial action is needed due to the recent surge in crime.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Police Command in the state,,Wasiu A. Abiodun, confirmed the attack, stating that the police received reports of the disturbance and dispatched patrol teams, led by the DPO Maitumbi.
According to him,the police successfully dispersed the attackers, though one unidentified gang member was killed during the raid.
The deceased’s body has been taken to Minna General Hospital’s morgue,he added.
He said that investigations into the incident has commenced, adding that efforts to apprehend the remaining assailants are underway.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
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