Immediate
suspension of all mining activities in six areas in the state over continued
bandits’ attacks was ordered by Gov Sani Bello.
This is contained in a statement by Alhaji Ahmed Matane, Secretary to the State Government, issued in Minna on Thursday.
He listed the
areas affected to include: Gurmana in Shiroro Local Government Area, Anguwan
Kampani, M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate, College of Education, Army Barracks and
Lapan-Gwari in Chanchaga Local Government Area of the state.
Matane said
the decision become necessary following security, health and environmental
hazards, as well as illicit drug peddling in the areas.
He explained
that reports had clearly established a strong and glaring nexus between the
activities of bandits, prostitutes, criminal gangs and illegal miners, with
each mutually re-enforcing the other.
Matane warned
that any mining operator caught engaging in mining activities in the areas
would face the full wrath of the law.
According to
him, the government is leaving no stone unturned in fashioning out strategies
to bring lasting solutions as well as forestall any breach of security in the
state.
“Hence the
need for the people to be security-conscious and report all suspicious
characters, movements or objects in their communities to security agents, ” he
said.
Matane
reiterated that the government would make the state a model in the mining
sector, to create employment and wealth in an atmosphere of peace and
tranquility.
The SSG
assured that the government would not scale-down pressure on the armed bandits,
kidnappers and cattle rustlers until they were totally flushed-out of the
state.
He solicited
the cooperation of the Nigeria Mining Association in the state, local communities,
traditional and religious leaders where mining activities take place, to
contribute in flushing out the criminal elements.
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