Chaos erupted in the MI Wushishi housing estate in Minna, the capital of Niger State, on Tuesday as a group of angry youths believed to be miners invaded the community, leaving a trail of destruction.
Eyewitnesses reported that the turmoil began when police attempted to disperse the miners who had been excavating gold within the residential area.
The community had previously alerted the police about the miners’ presence in their homes.
The miners, arriving in large numbers, overran the area, destroying vehicles and buildings, prompting residents to flee in fear of further violence.
Channels Television has learned that the miners have threatened to return with reinforcements.
The situation remains tense, with many calling for increased security measures to safeguard residents and prevent further violence.
Yusuf Mami, the State Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, stated in a telephone interview with Channels Television that the attackers were not members of the association and no association members were involved in the destruction.
He acknowledged, however, that some local youths engage in unauthorized gold mining and sometimes resort to violence.
The incident underscores the escalating issue of illegal mining in Niger State, particularly in residential areas, and the urgent need for authorities to take decisive action to combat the problem.