Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has mourned an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Aminu Eshin, killed at an illegal mining site in Korokpa village.

The officer was killed on Wednesday during a clash between NSCDC officers and suspected illegal miners in Korokpa village, Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement on Sunday, the governor’s spokesman, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as tragic and deeply painful, saying the young officer lost his life while protecting the interest of his fatherland.

Mr Bago condoled with the deceased’s family, the NSCDC Niger State command and other victims, praying for the repose of the officer’s soul.

He urged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the crime and reassured Niger residents that justice must prevail.

Mr Bago warned individuals involved in illegal mining activities to desist immediately, stressing that the state government’s ban on illegal mining remains in force.

He maintained that anyone found violating the directive would face the full weight of the law.