A 17-year-old girl identified as Zainab has returned to a mining site in Niger State, just days after 37 suspected illegal miners reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Zainab, who was found at the site with two of her teenage sisters, said poverty and hunger forced them back to mining despite the dangers.
She explained that mining is her family’s main source of income and helps her provide food for her aged parents.
“We are not here because we want to die. We are here because we want to live.”
According to her, security agents have continued to chase miners away from the site, but the lack of alternative sources of livelihood has made it difficult for her and others to stay away.
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The teenager said she understands the risks involved but has little choice because her family depends on the income from mining.
The deaths of the 37 miners have raised concerns, with authorities investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The NSCDC commandant in Niger State was suspended, while an investigative committee was constituted.
Zainab appealed for alternative opportunities that would enable young people in the community to earn a living without risking their lives at mining sites.
“If they don’t want us to mine, they should give us another way to survive,” she said.
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