Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Following the deaths of six persons at a mining site in Kogi state, the state Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engineer Abubakar Bashir Gegu has conveyed the order of the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, that all mining activities across the state be stopped till further notice.
The Kogi state government has earlier issued warning to illegal miners stopping them from further engaging in mining activities in view of lack of compliance with the rules and regulations guiding mining activities.
Engineer Gegu after visiting mining sites, expressed concern over non compliance with the governor’s directive and therefore ordered that all mining activities be suspended to avert further loss of lives at the mining sites.
While the Commissioner gave illegal miners 48 hours to leave the various sites or face the law, he however, disclosed that the genuine miners should stop using crude method of mining and should bring in modern technology because the former is causing lost of lives and injury.
The sites visited are at Omalewu, Imane district of Olamaboro LGA where two lives were recently lost because of not adhering to the state Government directive on illegal mining and using crude method of exploitation.
“It’s the responsibility of the Government to provide an enabling environment for investors and the Government hasn’t failed on that responsibility, in Kogi State. Lives and property are been protected because we have a humane leader who’s doing everything possible to lead the state to it’s desired economic growth.” The Commissioner said.
According to the government the illegal miners are mostly feasting on coal and using implements that usually results in deaths of many.
Some of the illegal miners were not licensed and without permission to embark on such dangerous adventure using shovels, hoes diggers and cutlasses . It was gathered.
