Illegal Mining: Flush out all illegal miners now, Assembly urges Gov. Sule

By David Odama

Worried by the increasing influx of illegal miners posing a security threat to Nasarawa State, the House of Assembly, Monday urged governor Abdullahi Sule to urgently flush out all illegal miners in the State to curtail insecurity and other criminalities.

The House also called on the State Government to ensure that miners licensed to operate in the state are screened and made to pass through all the necessary processes as required by law.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau made the call in a matter of public interest raised by Hon.

The Speaker who lamented the negative impact of illegal miners in the State, said the House was worried over the growing and increasing rate of illegal miners which has been a new trend, especially in kokona LGA thus creating tension over safety of lives and properties of the affected communities.

” Our resolution is to the effect that I want to appreciate his Excellency Gov. Abdullahi Sule for attracting investors to the state and while he is doing that we will not allow anybody to destroy such efforts.

“The position of the House is also that the Hon. Commissioner of Police should mobilize his men to flush out all illegal miners in the state” He said

The Speaker said that the House would support the state government to flush out illegal miners which will in turn promote peace and development in the State stressing that the issue is rampage creating tension across the State hence the need for security agencies to do the needful.

Earlier, Hon.Daniel Ogah Ogazi (APC Kokona East) while raising the motion under matters of urgent public importance appreciated the effort of the State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule for attracting investors to the state.

Ogazi, however expressed worried over recent development in the state, especially in kokona LGA where illegal mining has become the order of the day.

“Where a mining site has been named Sambisa Forest in the area which create negativity and is threatening the security of the people of the area. There was a site of lithium found in Amba community, especially areas like Agaza, Kware, Ego, Egboka and Agbadu respectively.

“Mr. Speaker, the law that established mining act did not permit illegal mining so we call on government to flush out all illegal miners in the state.

Members, who were unanimous in their decision stressed the need for government to regulate miners presence in the state, ensure the safety of the communities.

Contributors on the floor of the house included Hon. Solomon Akwashiki, Hon. Muhammed Omadefu, Hon.Onarigu Kana, Hon. Musa Ekye, Hon. Muhammed Isimbabi, Hon. Larry Ven Bawa, Hon.Esson Mairiga, Hon Jonah Dizaho, Hon. Ajegina Kudu and the majority leader of the House, Hon. Suleiman Azara, all spoke extensively on the matter as its affect the security of the state.