Pregnant Woman Shot During Protest Against Ex-Lawmaker’s Mining Site
Tension has erupted in Mutum Daya community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, after a pregnant woman was shot during a protest against an alleged illegal mining operation linked to former state lawmaker, Hon. Yakoi Kango.
The protest reportedly began after miners attempted to relocate the only community secondary school to make way for mining activities, sparking outrage among residents.
According to reports, the Junior Secondary School in Mutum Daya serves the host community and neighbouring villages. Residents warned that relocating the school would jeopardise the education of hundreds of pupils and endanger lives, as heavy blasting from the nearby mining site had already caused cracks in classroom walls.
The incident occurred on Monday, September 29, 2025, during a protest organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Shiroro Chapter. Hundreds of residents blocked the Kuta–Minna highway, carrying placards demanding an end to mining operations and the protection of the school.
Hon. Yakoi Kango denied direct involvement with the miners, stating that the site was part of a 120-unit Certificate of Use and Licence area allocated to him by the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
He explained that he only met with the miners to ensure mutual understanding and claimed some youths had been illegally selling mined gold, which led him to deploy security personnel to maintain order.
Community leaders said they had written several letters to the Shiroro Local Government Authority seeking intervention but received no response, prompting the youths to protest.
Following the unrest, authorities suspended all mining activities pending investigation.
Habibu Wushishi, Director of Media and Strategy at the Niger State Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, confirmed the suspension.
“The mining site is put on hold and investigation is ongoing to know what exactly happened. But whatever it is, if the former member so claims, he should produce his license,” Wushishi said.
The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, also confirmed the incident, stating that unauthorised mining had been reported within the school premises.
“A yet-to-be-identified vigilante man reportedly shot a woman in the leg,” Abiodun said, adding that angry youths later blocked the Gwada–Sarkin-Pawa road, disrupting traffic.
The injured woman was taken to a nearby hospital, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the vigilante involved.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
