FROM SAMSON ALFA,MINNA
Niger State government has warned illegal miners to desist or face the full wrath of the law.
The state government promised support to genuine miners to acquire mineral titles and mine responsibly.
The Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Alhaji Garba Yahaya gave the warning while leading a team of government officials to inspect various illegal mining sites in Minna metropolis on Tuesday.
Speaking at one of the illegal mining sites at Chanchaga opposite the police station, the commissioner said the activities of illegal miners had posed a great threat to the society, particularly communities hosting the sites, and called on traditional title holders in the area to report unauthorised miners to the authorities.
“This ugly trend warranted us to embark on this comprehensive monitoring and inspection of illegal mining sites in Minna metropolis and by extension, warn illegal operators to be aware of the law against their activities,” Yahaya said.
The team also visited Tungan-Goro under the bridge, where illegal mining activities have been taking place, and discovered mining pits with underaged children and women engaged in illegal mining.
Explaining the disturbance by illegal mining operators, the CCCE Supervisor, Mr Li expressed concern over the continuous invasion of the site by illegal miners, despite repeated efforts to disperse them.
Also, a resident and Chairman of Butchers Association in Chanchaga Community, Mallam Garba said illegal miners, mostly women and children, always come to the site between 5 to 6pm and even at midnight.
The team also visited Anguwan KwaKwa in Chanchaga Community where a registered mining firm, Climax Mining Company, is operating.
The company was said to have purchased the land behind the military barracks with three cooperatives working for them.
According to the report, mining activities along the river bank has caused serious land degradation and collapse of buildings, forcing residents to sell their lands or abandon their homes for safety.
