Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has suspended mining activities in the state.
The governor made the announcement on Friday during the launch of the initial 60 Mining Marshalls saddled with the responsibility of curbing the illegal mining of solid minerals across the state.
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Represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, the governor said the suspension was necessary until miners’ data was collated.
He said that the Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee would collate the data of all miners in the state.
He said, “Until the verification exercise was concluded, all mining activities would be placed on hold pending the outcome of the verification.
“I enjoin the security apparatus, the joint Taskforce on illegal mining, MIREMCO to ensure that the right thing is done to enhance the well-being of the people and increase the Internally Generated Revenue.
The governor warned that his administration would not tolerate any illegality, saying, “It is my administration’s prerogative to protect lives and property of the people.”
He further charged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps not to relent in its efforts to combat crimes and criminalities as it concerns the state’s rich mineral resources.
He said, “Your efforts henceforth should be to ensure modest contributions towards the actualisation of a better Benue that works not only for the people of the State but for the overall development of our country, Nigeria.
“As you are aware, the challenges of development and transforming a State like Benue are daunting, especially at this time when resources available to constituted authorities for development purposes are dwindling amidst the ever-growing dependence and demand for these scarce resources.
“What is required at a time such as this is a resourceful and visionary leadership committed to leveraging abundant talents coupled with managing the limited resources to reposition and transform the lives and livelihoods of the people. It is the hallmark of my administration’s blueprint and underpins our seven-point agenda.
“Without disrupting the existing structures, I am genuinely committed to the transformation of Benue State, harnessing the abundance of untapped natural resources.”