Yakubu Tafida, Secretary to the Kebbi State Government, on Friday, announced the banning of all mining activities in the state.
Tafida, while addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital said the state government had taken the step due to the insecurity and the need to protect mining workers and the host communities and also put in measures for revenue generation for the state.
He described the step taken as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of workers and people in mining communities.
Tafida pointed out that the state government was mindful of the fact that mining is under the Exclusive Legislative List, however, took the bold step after a thorough assessment of the current security situation.
According to him, the state government believes that it is of utmost importance to prioritize the protection of the lives and property of its citizens and prevent mining fields from being converted to breeding criminals by unauthorized foreigners. “This has happened in other neighbouring states,” he stressed.
WikkiTimes has recently undergone an investigative report that uncovered how Chinese-allied miners bribed one of the notorious terrorists Dogo Gide in order to access mining sites in Niger state.
The foreign-affiliated miners are under the license of Eso Terra Investment Limited and Majelo Global Resources Limited, engaged in illegal mining activities. It also revealed how miners bribed the bandit kingpin to gain access to the mining sites in the state.
