Mining Activities Are Suspended In Benue
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Governor Hyacinth Alia has halted mining operations in Benue State.
At the inaugural ceremony for the first 60 Mining Marshalls, who will be tasked with stopping illicit solid mineral mining throughout the state, the governor announced on Friday.
Declaring that the suspension was required until the miners’ data was compiled, the governor was represented by his deputy, Sam Ode.
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He declared that the Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee would compile information about every miner in the state
In the statement, 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.
“It is my administration’s prerogative to protect the lives and property of the people,” the governor declared, admonishing that his government would not put up with any illegality.
He also urged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to keep up their good work in preventing crimes and misbehavior related to the abundant mineral resources of the state.
He further said, “Your efforts henceforth should be to ensure modest contributions towards the actualization 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.”
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