Barely three days after 37 suspected artisanal miners arrested at a mining site in Minna died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, residents of M.I. Wushishi Estate have expressed fresh concern over the return of miners to the site.

The residents say teenagers, women and adult miners have resumed digging for gold at the location, raising fears of another tragedy.

A resident, Yahaya Isah, who spoke to journalists in Minna on Sunday, said the development poses a serious threat to the safety of residents, particularly because the site was where the 37 miners were arrested before being taken into NSCDC custody.

Mr Isah appealed to the Niger State Government, security agencies and relevant regulatory authorities to urgently enforce the ban on illegal mining activities across the state.

He said stronger measures were needed to prevent further loss of lives and protect property in mining communities.

The resident also urged youths and women to stay away from illegal mining and explore safer and more productive means of livelihood.

He expressed concern that underage persons, adults and women were still engaging in gold mining at the site despite the recent tragedy.