Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi has ordered the immediate temporary closure of the Mararrabar Birnin Yauri gold mining site in the Ngaski Local Government Area of the state.
Mr Idris gave the order during an unscheduled visit to the site in Ngaski LGA on Thursday, following reports of misunderstanding between the communities and agents of the federal government.
”I am hereby directing security operatives to take over the mining site until an amicable solution can be reached between the Kebbi government and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI).
”The government does not benefit from mining, but our communities that own the land under which solid minerals are located deserve better treatment; they must be engaged as beneficiaries.
”I am ordering the Ministry of Mining to compile a comprehensive register of all persons, organisations, and companies registered to prospect for gold and other minerals in any part of Kebbi, to ensure sanity,” he said.
Mr Idris recalled that there was a serious unrest arising from illegal mining, where one life was lost recently in the area.
He stated that no responsible government would allow that to continue, adding that his administration must restore peace and strengthen security.
”We cannot allow unknown persons from foreign countries, like Mali, Tanzania, Chad, and Niger, to come and constitute security threats in our state,” he warned.
The governor ordered the release of about 50 youths arrested and remanded in correctional centres in the aftermath of the recent skirmishes related to mining through an out-of-court settlement.
Earlier, the representative of PAGMI, Musa Adamu-Dantata, and the Kebbi Commissioner for Mining, Garba Hassan-Warrah, had briefed the governor about some complaints and problems at the mining site.
(NAN)