Two young brothers, identified as Umar Muhammed(7) and Ibrahim Muhammed (9) have drowned in an abandoned mining site operated by a Chinese firm, Kenyang Mining Company Limited.
The tragedy happened on Thursday at the Udege Mbeki community in Nasarawa Local Government Area of the State.
The mining site, popularly known as paddock became waterlogged as a result of the recent rainfall creating a dangerous trap which the young brothers fell into.
The Chairman of Afo Youth Mobility,(formally known as the Afo Youth Mentorship Initiative) Dauda Kana in a statement noted that the tragic incident happened on Thursday when the children followed their cousin who went to wash cloth in the site.
Dauda expressed his sadness over the tragedy, criticizing Kenyang Mining Company for not reclaiming the 50-meter setback excavation in the area.
Dauda added that the company’s recklessness also played a role in the incident that led to the children’s death.
He said, “As a result, Afo Youth Mobility (officially registered as Afo Youth Mentorship Initiative) alongside nine others took the company to the Nasarawa State High Court to seek legal interpretation of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) signed on September 26, 2021, between the Udege community and the mining firm.”
He added that the Court, presided by Justice Rose G. Soji granted interim injunction on November 19, 2024, prohibiting the company from performing any mining activity until the case was resolved.
The decision of the court regarding the mining site
The parties reached an out-of-court settlement afterward leading to a consented judgment granted on March 4th, 2025. The judgment includes the following legally binding terms;
Submission of a detailed reclamation plan for the 50-meter setback within one year of further excavation.
Immediate commencement of reclamation work upon regulatory approval.
Cessation of excavation in Millionaire’s Quarters within four years.
Construction of a concrete fence to separate mining zones from residential areas, with a 40-meter buffer.
Repair of the Udege Mbeki–Gada Hudu road and provision of essential amenities—including boreholes, electricity, hospital, school, and police post—at the community’s relocation site.
Additionally, he advised that the Afo Youth Mobility should return to court if the company fails to fulfill it’s obligations.
Dauda also appealed to the Nasarawa State Government to increase it regulatory oversight and guarantee a full compliance with the Mining Act.
