Many die in mining clash
03/03/2005 14:10 - (SA)
Lagos - Many people were killed and several injured in clashes between licensed miners and villagers in the southwestern Nigerian state of Oyo, police and government spokespeople said on Thursday.
Trouble started on Wednesday at Komu in the Itesiwaju local government area of the state when villagers stormed the mining site and tried to dislodge the miners, deputy police spokesperson Remi Oladele said.
"Reports reaching us indicate that many villagers lost their lives during the confrontation, but we still don't have full details on the incident", he said.
He said the locals used machetes, knives and old hunting rifles during the clashes with the miners.
A government spokesperson said villagers, who have been pressing for government approval to mine precious stones in the area themselves, tried to stop the licensed miners.
"The move led to a fracas which left many people dead and several others wounded," he said adding that some villagers are engaged in mining activities in the area without government approval.
Press reports said no fewer than 50 people were feared dead and several others wounded in the violence before it was brought under control by the anti-riot police.
State Governor Rashidi Ladoja had on assumption of office in 2003 vowed to stop illegal mining activities in the community. He also promised to prosecute anyone caught mining in the area without a licence. - AFP
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