The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr Margaret Elayo, has declared war on illegal miners in the state.
Dr Elayo who led a team to clamp down on illegal mining camps in Agwada, Kokona Local Government Area, also vowed to make the state unbearable for those flouting mining regulations.
The operation which targeted at least five illegal mining sites on Tuesday, forced miners to flee at the sight of Dr Elayo and her team.
This move follows an earlier attempt by the ministry to engage artisanal miners in a roundtable discussion with the aim to bring them into the formal mining sector, which the miners ignored.
Dr Elayo’s mission began with a visit to the Osu of Agwada’s palace, where she outlined her goals and sought the traditional council’s support in enforcing mining regulations.
She then proceeded to an unauthorised mining site, where she questioned the authenticity of the operator’s documentation and gave them an ultimatum to present themselves in the state capital by Tuesday or face shutdown.
The commissioner warned that artisanal miners unwilling to obtain necessary licenses would have their sites declared illegal, and she would ensure they face severe consequences.
“I intend to visit the Cadasteria office to verify these mining documents. It is essential that mining licenses are granted in collaboration with the state government, allowing for proper communication with local authorities and communities,” Dr Elayo stated.
The action has been welcomed by State House of Assembly member, Hon Daniel Ogazi, who represents Kokona East, and local communities in Agwada, who have long complained about mining companies operating without licenses and neglecting their social corporate responsibilities.
The operation also received support from the Kokona Local Government chairman, Mr Agbawu Mek Agbawu, who urged artisanal miners to comply with regulations.
Agbawu noted that the ministry’s actions could set a precedent for other states facing similar challenges.
