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.
Represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, the governor said the suspension was necessary until miners’ data is collated.
He said that the Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee would collate 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 Task Force 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.
