Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
As part of efforts to put an end to illegal mining in Kogi State, the state government has arrested 10 miners allegedly operating illegally in Ankpa Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Bashiru Gegu, disclosed this last Monday evening in Ankpa, when his ministry in collaboration with the Kogi State Special Task Force on Illegal Smuggling of Firearms and Other Related Crimes began the enforcement of Governor Yahaya Bello’s directive to illegal mining across the state.
Gegu, who noted that the ‘operation stop illegal mining in Kogi State’ is on course, said the government has confiscated over 50 trucks carrying coal illegally with the support of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes.
Gegu said: “We must implement the federal government policy and help in the revenue generation. Over the years, we have asked miners in the state approved by the federal government to register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources.”
“This has, however, fallen on deaf ears with people brazenly destroying our communities. Illegal mining is totally prohibited in Kogi State.”
The commissioner warned all illegal mining companies and individuals to stop forthwith as the long hands of the law is set to catch up with them.
He reassured the state that anyone found wanting would be prosecuted.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Kogi State Special Task Force on Illegal Smuggling of Firearms and Other Related Crimes, Elder Friday Sani Makama, said it would no longer be business as usual, adding that the present administration will leave no stone unturned in arresting and prosecuting any individual caught engaging in illegal mining in Kogi State.
“Some set of individuals are milking the state of its natural resources. That is why Governor Yahaya Bello said it was time to put a stop to illegal mining in the state.
”Our operation is very simple. All miners in Kogi State must operate within the ambit of the law. And my duty here is to ensure the enforcement of the directive given by the state governor,” he added.
