By Ogalla Daniel
The Kogi State House of Assembly, has called on the State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide immediate relief, medical assistance and other necessary support to victims of the recent mining tragedy in Enjema District of Ankpa Local Government Area.
The call formed part of the resolutions of the Eight Kogi State House of Assembly, during Tuesday’s plenary following a motion of urgent public importance raised by the member representing Ankpa II State Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Abbas.
Hon Abbas told the House that the incident occurred on July 14, 2026, at Alufele in Enjema District, Ankpa Local Government Area, resulting in the death of several persons.
Moving the motion, the lawmaker said the tragedy underscored the need for stronger safety measures and responsible mining practices across the state.
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“Against this background, Honourable Colleagues, Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, places upon government the primary responsibility for the security and welfare of the people.
“The tragic loss of lives at Alufele is a painful reminder that the exploitation of our abundant mineral resources must always be accompanied by sound environmental practices,” he said.
Hon Abbas noted that Kogi State was richly endowed with solid mineral resources, particularly coal, which, he said, had the potential to stimulate industrialisation, create employment and contribute significantly to economic development.
He added that artisanal mining had provided livelihoods for many residents and supported economic activities in host communities, but stressed that the recent incident had highlighted the urgent need for improved safety practices and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
The lawmaker urged relevant authorities to intensify public awareness on mine safety and support artisanal miners through technical guidance, capacity building and alternative livelihood programmes, particularly where regulatory measures temporarily affect their operations.
“At this critical juncture, Mr. Speaker, history will judge us not by the number of condolences we extend after disasters, but by the decisive measures we take to prevent their recurrence. We owe it to the victims, their families and the people of Kogi State to support them at these trying times,” Abbas said.
The House subsequently urged the Kogi State Government to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, security agencies, local government councils, traditional institutions, host communities and licensed mining operators to strengthen community-based monitoring and promote safe mining practices.
It also called for environmental restoration programmes, technical support, vocational training and alternative livelihood initiatives for artisanal miners affected by regulatory measures.
Seconding the motion, the member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, Hon. Abu Onoru-Oiza Abu, proposed an additional prayer for the House to summon mining operators in Ankpa Local Government Area to explain the safety measures put in place to prevent future occurrences.
Ruling on the motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf, stressed the importance of presenting empirical evidence when raising issues affecting constituents and called for stronger safety measures in mining operations across the state.
