'Call your leaders to stop shielding illegal miners' – Minister tells Kogi youths

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, urged youths in Kogi State to persuade their community leaders to stop shielding illegal miners. He revealed that 374 illegal mining sites have been identified, with 743 suspects arrested and five convictions secured. Alake emphasized that these illegal activities harm legitimate mining companies and enrich individuals at the expense of the Nigerian people.