Insecurity: Gov. Ortom orders suspension of illegal mining activities in Benue
Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal mining activities taking place in some parts of the state over worsening security threat.
Ortom gave the order on Thursday in Makurdi when he had an emergency security meeting with stakeholders from Kwande Local Government Area of the state over illegal mining of gold in the area.
The governor warned that illegal mining posed security and environmental threats to not just Kwande but the entire state if allowed to continue.
He, therefore, revoked all rights granted to mining racketeers by some communities within the state territory, warning that anyone caught indulging in or abetting illegal mining activities would be prosecuted.
“Although mining is in the exclusive list and is controlled by the Federal Government, the lands where mining will be done is held by the governor in trust for the people of state, emphasising that due process must be followed in carrying out mining.
“Prospective licensed miners will be adequately profiled before they will be allowed to carry out any mining activity in the state to check the infiltration of criminal elements,” Ortom said.
The governor commended the Kwande local government council Chairman, Mr Orjiir Gbande, for being alert and drawing his attention to the security and environmental threats posed by the illegal mining activities in the Turan and Ikyurav axis of the local government.
He further cautioned traditional rulers from the area to refrain from unlawfully ceding lands to prospective miners, stressing that only the State Government had the rights to approve lands for use by anyone for such purpose.
Ortom also urged the elites to get involved and sensitize their communities on the impending dangers of allowing unauthorized persons access to their communities for the purpose of mining.
The Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial district, Sen. Gabriel Suswam, who also attended the meeting, tasked Benue people on the unity of purpose to overcome the security challenges confronting the state.
Suswam equally appealed to traditional rulers, especially those from Kwande LGA to be security conscious at all times so as not to harbour criminal elements who may infiltrate their communities to exploit the available mineral resources.
He particularly charged Kwande elites to also enlighten their people on the negative consequences of allowing strange persons unhindered access to their communities.
Gbande pledged to ensure that his people heed to the governor’s warning concerning the issue of illegal mining.
In his remarks,, they Tor Kwande, Ambrose Iortyer and the Ter Kwande, Timothy Ahile as well as Justice Terna Puusu (Rtd), appreciated Ortom for his proactive approach to nip any security breach in the bud.
They emphasized the need for traditional rulers to adhere to discipline and the right code of conduct in their respective domains. (NAN)
