The Police Command in Niger State has confirmed the attack on MI Wushishi Estate, Minna State by persons suspected to be illegal artisan miners operating near the estate.
The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident to journalists in Minna.
Mr Abiodun said, “On Tuesday at about 1400hrs, a distress call was received that suspected illegal miners, miscreants and thugs engaged in a fight and were attacking houses in the estate.”
He said that a police patrol team, led by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Maitumbi Division, was quickly dispatched to the scene and the miscreants were dispersed.
He said that one person, whose identity had yet to be ascertained, was killed by the hoodlums, and was taken to the General Hospital Morgue.
The Police spokesperson said that normalcy had since been restored to the area with the patrol team positioned to forestall further recurrence.
According to Mr Abiodun, an investigation into the incident has commenced to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The suspects invaded the estate in large numbers, vandalising vehicles, houses and people’s property, at a time many residents were away to work.
Also, the state government recently banned the activities of illegal miners in the state, owing to the spike in insecurity and environmental challenges.
