In April 2015, 28 children died in Shikira village, in Rafi LGA of Niger state, after drinking water poisoned by lead. The victims had lead levels 17 to 22 times higher than the limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO). The access routes to Shikira Village in Rafi local government area of Niger state,... Read More

artisanal mining, Global rights, Kolapo Olapoju, lead poisoning, mining, Niger, Niger State, Shikira

September 2, 2015

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Why many more children will die from Lead poisoning in Niger state

Niger state has what is perceived in many circles to be an illegal Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, and consequently, its powers, reach and control are limited. This situation is not peculiar to Niger state alone. Although there is no law stopping a state from setting up a ministry, the purview of the state’s Ministry... Read More

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artisanal mining, Global rights, Kolapo Olapoju, lead poisoning, mining, Niger State, Sabon Shapa, Shikira

August 27, 2015

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Pay attention, there’s death in the mines

The drums of death beat faster as the drilling machines dig deeper. The deaths recorded from communities hosting mining activities continue to sky-rocket, but the society maintains a sustained indifference: hear the tale, mourn the dead, and move on. Nothing more is done to avert the potential ‘death candidates’ in several mining host communities across... Read More

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Babatunde Raji Fashola YNaija, BBC, Dareta, Global rights, Kolapo Olapoju, lead poisoning, mining, Niger, ynaija, Zamfara