By joshua Illegal Mining: Kogi Govt Hits Hard, Commissioner Leads Raid On Irutuba Gold Site, Two Suspects In NSCDC Net
Kogi State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities with a special enforcement operation at Irutuba Village in Okene Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two illegal gold miners.
The operation was led on Sunday by the Honourable Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu.
The suspects, identified as Abdulrahaman Nuhuramat and Yusuf Ramat, were apprehended at the illegal mining site where they were allegedly operating unlawfully on community land. They have been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for further investigation and prosecution.
Speaking with journalists at the site, Engr. Gegu said the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has zero tolerance for illegal mining, describing the act as economic sabotage and a threat to peace and the environment of host communities.
“Let this be a warning to all illegal miners across Kogi State. This government will find you wherever you are. Our mineral resources must be harnessed legally for the prosperity of our people, not looted by criminal elements,” the Commissioner warned.
Responding, the Village Head of Irutuba, Mallam Adams Shuaibu, who received the Commissioner and his team, thanked the state government for the swift intervention.
He lamented that activities of illegal miners and land grabbers have become a source of concern to the community, alleging that strangers have continued to trespass on ancestral lands in search of gold and destroying farmlands in the process.
The traditional ruler appealed to Governor Ododo to provide more security presence in the community to stop trespassing and destruction of farmlands.
Engr. Gegu assured the community that their complaint would be conveyed to the Governor, adding that the Ministry will work with security agencies to ensure that the legitimate rights of host communities are protected.
He urged community leaders across the state to emulate the Irutuba village head by promptly reporting illegal mining activities in their domains.