Kogi Assembly Calls for Action After Ankpa Mining Disaster

The Kogi State House of Assembly has demanded urgent intervention to assist victims of a mining disaster that occurred on July 14, 2026, in Alufele, Enjema District of Ankpa Local Government Area. The resolution was prompted by a motion from Hon. Ibrahim Abbas, representing Ankpa II State Constituency, during the Eighth Assembly's plenary session.

Abbas reported that the incident claimed several lives and raised concerns about safety standards in mining practices. He urged the state government, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), and other authorities to provide immediate relief and medical care to the affected victims and their families.

The lawmaker emphasized the need for responsible environmental management alongside mineral resource exploitation and called for stronger regulations and technical support for artisanal mining. The House also urged collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance community-based monitoring and promote safer mining operations, alongside environmental restoration and vocational training for affected miners.

Hon. Abu Onoru-Oiza Abu seconded the motion, suggesting that mining operators in Ankpa be summoned to explain their safety measures.