Peter Obi's Camp Critiques Alake Amid Niger Mining Tragedy

The Peter Obi Media Office has condemned Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, for engaging in political discourse regarding Peter Obi's tenure as Anambra State governor while failing to address the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. The statement, issued by spokesman Idris Zekeri Jnr, criticized Alake's comments as a distraction from the urgent issues in the solid minerals sector.

The deaths occurred during operations against illegal mining on September 15 and 16, leading to public outrage and demands for an independent investigation. The Federal Government has suspended officials and formed a 10-member committee to probe the circumstances of the deaths, which are under investigation.

Initial reports suggest a possible disease outbreak, while survivors claim overcrowding and poor ventilation contributed to suffocation. The Obi Media Office urged the government to prioritize accountability and reform in the mining sector.