The police command in Niger has confirmed the attack on MI Wushishi Estate, Minna by persons suspected to be illegal artisan miners operating near the estate.

The command’s spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this to journalists in Minna.

“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,” stated Mr Abiodun.

He said 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 one person, whose identity had yet to be ascertained, was killed by the hoodlums and was taken to the General Hospital morgue.

Mr Abiodun said normalcy had since been restored to the area, and the patrol team was positioned to forestall further reoccurrence. He added that an investigation had commenced to arrest the fleeing suspects.

The suspects invaded the estate in large numbers, vandalising vehicles, houses and people’s property at a time when many residents were away to work.

The Niger government recently banned the activities of illegal miners owing to the spike in insecurity and environmental challenges. 

(NAN)