Kogi Assembly Calls for Urgent Relief for Victims of Mining Tragedy in Ankpa

…Lawmakers demand safety measures, summon mining operators over July 14 disaster

…”Government must move beyond condolences,” says lawmaker behind motion

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 urgently provide relief, medical assistance, and other support to victims of the recent mining tragedy in Enjema District, Ankpa Local Government Area.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Ankpa II State Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Abbas, during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Abbas disclosed that the incident, which occurred on July 14, 2026, at Alufele in Enjema District, claimed several lives and underscored the urgent need for stronger safety measures and responsible mining practices across the state.

He emphasized that the government has a constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and welfare of citizens, stressing that the exploitation of Kogi’s mineral resources must be accompanied by sound environmental and safety practices.

“Government must move beyond condolences by taking decisive steps to prevent a recurrence of this tragedy,” Abbas declared.

According to the lawmaker, Kogi State is richly endowed with solid minerals, particularly coal, which has the potential to drive industrialisation, create jobs, and boost economic development.

He noted that while artisanal mining provides livelihoods for many residents and supports economic activities in host communities, the recent tragedy had exposed the urgent need to improve safety standards and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.

Abbas urged relevant authorities to intensify public awareness on mine safety and provide artisanal miners with technical guidance, capacity building, and alternative livelihood opportunities—especially where regulatory measures temporarily affect their operations.

Following deliberations, the Assembly passed several resolutions, including:

1. Urgent Relief: A call on the state government, NEMA, and KOSEMA to provide immediate relief materials, medical assistance, and other support to victims of the mining accident.

2. Strengthened Monitoring: A directive for the 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.

3. Environmental Restoration & Alternative Livelihoods: A call for environmental restoration, technical support, vocational training, and alternative livelihood programmes 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 LGA to explain the safety measures put in place to prevent future accidents.

His proposal was adopted by the Assembly.

Ruling on the motion, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf, stressed the need for lawmakers to present empirical evidence when raising issues affecting their constituents.

He also called for stronger safety measures in mining operations across the state, reiterating the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring that the exploitation of Kogi’s mineral resources does not come at the cost of human lives.

With the resolutions passed, all eyes are now on the state government and relevant agencies to see how quickly relief reaches the victims and their families. The planned summoning of mining operators in Ankpa LGA is expected to shed more light on the safety lapses that led to the tragedy and provide a pathway for stricter regulatory oversight.