The incident, which occurred in the town of Panduro, La Paz, happened on Thursday, August 25, 2016, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The deceased, RodolfoIllanes, 56, was reportedly kidnapped by the miners while attempting to begin interaction with them over a road block.

He was beaten to death subsequently.

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Romero condemned the killing of his colleague, terming the action as a “cowardly and brutal” murder.

The incidence brings the death toll in the crisis to a total of three, as two miners were reportedly killed a day before the death of the minister.

“Two miners were killed on Wednesday."

“Around 100 miners were detained after Thursday’s protests", he said.