By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nasarawa State government has announced the suspension of mining activities across the state. The suspension, which is an aftermath of the recommendation to President Bola Tinubu by the Northern Governors Forum, to ban mining activities in the region, is part of renewed efforts to combat insecurity linked to banditry and kidnapping,
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, made this known at a briefing with members of the State Executive Council at the Government House in Lafia, the state capital, The governor observed that illegal mining sites have become safe haven for criminal groups.
Sule stated that while mining has contributed significantly to internally generated revenue, the current security realities require urgent intervention.
“We are suspending all licenses. If the President approves, a thorough verification will follow, so we can separate genuine miners from the large number of illegal operators. Everywhere you find mining activities, bandits and kidnappers also find shelter,” he stated
Sule, who is the chairman the North Central Governors Forum, revealed that all 19 northern governors have agreed to contribute N19 billion monthly to a regional security fund for one year. The funds will be used to procure high-tech security equipment and recruit thousands of trained youths to support ongoing security operations, including local vigilantes and hunters.
The governor commended the security agencies and community leaders for their role in ongoing operations, noting that a coordinated security sweep was set to take place in Nasarawa Local Government Area to address recent spikes in kidnappings.
