The Niger State Police Command has admitted that illegal miners had attacked the M.I Wushishi Estate on Tuesday, following resistance by the estate residents to permit any form of mining activities within its precinct.
The police’s reaction followed reports of unrest in the estate and its surrounding areas over recurring threats by illegal miners and subsequent attacks, the most recent on Tuesday.
According to reports, the miners invaded the estate during the day ordering the occupants to vacate their residences or risk being killed.
The claims further revealed that the miners proceeded to damage the cars and valuables items, prompting some of the residents of the estates to flee for safety.
The report said the situation had incited tension and unrest in the area.
When contacted by THE WHISTLER, the spokesperson of the Niger Police, DSP Wasiu Abiodun described the report as “untrue and it is a false publication in its entirety.”
In a subsequent statement made available to THE WHISTLER, the command claimed that “It is important to clarify that on 02/09/2024 at about 1400hrs, a distress was received that some artisan/illegal miners attempted to gain entrance into M.I Wushishi Estate, Minna for their illegal mining activities and the Estate residents resisted, which degenerated into attacking houses and vehicles in the estate, and led to loss of life of one of the miscreants.
“Police patrol teams led by DPO Maitumbi were mobilised to the scene, the miscreants were dispersed and normalcy was restored. Patrol teams have been stationed in the area to forestall reoccurrence, maintain calm and normalcy.
“Therefore, it is very unfortunate for news reporters to tag this incident as a bandit’s related incident. The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman fsi urges members of the public to disregard this publication, as there was no such threat.
“He urges news reporters to verify their reports and be responsible in their reportage in the interest of national security, and avoid creating unnecessary panic and tension that could dissuade tourism and business patronages in the capital city and the State as a whole.”
