Fatal Landslide in Abuja’s Kuje Area Council Claims 30 Lives, Illegal Mining Suspected
At least 30 individuals have tragically lost their lives in a devastating landslide believed to have been triggered by illegal mining activities in the Kuje Area Council of Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The incident, which has shocked the community, highlights the dangerous consequences of unregulated mining practices. In a separate incident, 19 people were reportedly abducted in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja.
During a meeting between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the chairmen of six Area Councils, Wike expressed his dismay at the recent events and pledged to gather detailed briefings from the Director of Department of State Services (DSS) and the Commissioner of Police. He also vowed to aid in rescue operations to secure the release of the abductees.
To address the issue of illegal mining, Wike instructed the council chairmen to establish surveillance task forces in their respective areas, tasked with closely monitoring mining activities. Furthermore, he promised to meet with the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, to jointly tackle the problem of illegal mining in the FCT.
During the meeting, the chairmen of the Kwali and Kuje Area Councils highlighted additional challenges faced by the local governments. Danladi Chiya, the Kwali Area Council chairman, appealed to the Minister, highlighting inadequate funding of the local government system and the pressing issue of insecurity across the six Area Councils. Chiya relayed a recent incident in which 19 people were kidnapped in the Bwari Area Council. Abdullahi Sabo, the Kuje Area Council Chairman, expressed concern over illegal mining activities, stating that indiscriminate mining licenses were being issued, leading to insecurity and tragic incidents like the fatal landslide.
In response, Wike assured the council chairmen that he understands their challenges as a former council boss. He emphasized his purpose to work for the betterment of the FCT and urged collaboration between the Councils and his administration. Wike pledged to ensure that the councils receive their rightful funding without any unjust practices.
Acknowledging the issue of insecurity, he emphasized the importance of information sharing and declared his intention to call an emergency security meeting. Addressing the problem of sanitation, Wike stated that the responsibility to dispose of refuse lies with the council, not solely with fee collection. He urged the Councils to develop a common template for resolving sanitation issues.
In conclusion, Wike committed to tackling the menace of illegal mining by engaging the Minister of Mines and supporting the council chairmen’s efforts to establish surveillance task forces. By addressing these pressing concerns and working collaboratively, the FCT aims to enhance the security and well-being of its residents.
