As part of measures to check the worrisome trend of insecurity in the state, Benue state government has directed that mining activities in the state be suspended with immediate effect.
Governor Samuel Ortom gave the directive at the meeting with Kwande stakeholders at the Government House, in Makurdi on Thursday.
While he noted that activities of miners are beginning to posing threats to the peace of the state, the Governor said the state government would set up committee at state, local government and ward levels to regulate their activities.
“Recent events in Kwande local government area is posing danger and threat to peace in Kwande local government and the state in general and this is as a result of mining activities in the area.
“We know that there are some miners with license from federal government because it is the responsibility of federal government to grant license.
“We know that some of the miners don’t have license, we have foreigners and indigenous ones among them.
“As a result of danger the activities of the miners pose in the state, we hereby suspend all mining activities in the state including those with license. Anyone caught, with or without license, will be prosecuted.”
He advised those who have license to register with the State Ministry of Land, Survey and Solid Minerals so that they could be properly documented.
He further noted that more of such decision would be taken on mining sites in Ogbadigbo, Logo and Gboko LGAs respectively.