The Kogi State Government has banned mining activities in the state following the collapse of an illegal mine site which killed two artisanal miners.

The miners, simply identified as Amosun and Attach died on Saturday, August 28 at the mine located at Ika-Ogboyaga community in Ankpa Local Government Area of the state.

Bashir Gegu, Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, in a statement, decried that many mine operators in the state possess no licence.

He directed that all operators should henceforth ensure that they are registered with the solid minerals ministry or risk arrest and prosecution. 

Mr Gegu said the decision was especially expedient to enhance peace and banish criminal elements from the mining communities.

The commissioner stressed that there have been growing concerns over the activities of a few unknown operators on various mining sites, adding that failure to comply with the directives from the ministry by mining operators will lead to the closure of mining sites by the state government.

The commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Oyinloye JK, said that investigations are underway to reveal the owner of the illegal mining site where the accident occurred.

He enjoined traditional rulers to cooperate with law enforcement agencies put a stop to illegal mining in their communities.