National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Mary Ekundayo
The Benue Government has ceased all mining activities in the state until comprehensive data of miners is compiled.
Gov. Hyacinth Alia issued the order during a meeting with members of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Benue Chapter, in Makurdi.
He instructed the Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee (MIREMCO) to promptly commence the documentation of all miners in the state.
He said that the decision to conduct this revalidation exercise was prompted by security threats and the contamination of water sources, particularly in Kwande.
The governor urged security agencies and the joint task force on illegal mining to ensure compliance to safeguard the well-being of residents and boost revenue generation.
“The state government will not tolerate any illegality. It is our administration’s prerogative to protect the lives and property of the people,” he emphasized
The state Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr Fidelis Mnyim, clarified that Gov Alia aims to curb illegal mining activities while supporting legitimate mining endeavors.
The Nigeria Miners Association in Benue, represented by Chairman John Tersugh, pledged cooperation with the governor to clean up the mining sector.
The Federal Ministry of Mining and Solid Minerals, represented by Mr Simon Ogwu, pledged assistance to the state government in this effort.
Two miners Benjamin Nyior and Dennis Tarhemba called for a conducive working environment.
NAN reports that some members of the association appealed to the governor to address the issue of multiple taxation within the industry and provide necessary mining equipment to assist them on the field to contribute to the revenue profile of the state.
