By Attah Ede
Three Chinese nationals and several Nigerian miners have been apprehended for alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Amba Community, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The suspects were arrested after the State Deputy Governor, Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, led a high-powered security operation to the mining site.
The enforcement exercise was carried out at the weekend and targeted an illegal mining site where security operatives arrested suspects allegedly involved in unauthorised mining operations.
During the raid, authorities recovered suspected mineral resources stored in cartons, along with a range of equipment believed to have been used in carrying out the illegal activities.
Among the items seized were CCTV cameras and other operational materials reportedly installed at the site to monitor and facilitate the illegal mining operation.
Speaking after the operation, the Deputy Governor said he personally led the operation to arrest the Chinese and artisanal miners at the illegal site in Amba Community, Kokona LGA of the state.
According to him, the operation followed repeated reports of unlawful mining despite government directives for its stoppage.
“I came to witness firsthand what was happening at the site. Despite the order suspending mining activities, it is being flouted.
“How can foreign immigrants without proper legal documents being allowed into the country to mine in the state. As a responsible government, Nasarawa would not permit illegal ventures and would uphold the sanctity of the rule of law in all business enterprises.
“Mining is on the exclusive legislative list, which gives the Federal Government the power to regulate activities in the sector, but the state government would do its best to protect the interests of the host community and maintain law and order”, Akabe said..
He disclosed that there was no agreement with the community on corporate social responsibility or environmental impact assessments before exploration began at the site.
He warned that all those found guilty would face the full weight of the law.
While maintaining that all areas remain closed until litigations relating to the mining site are resolved, Akabe called on citizens to support efforts to sustain peace and stability in the state.
Speaking through an interpreter, the arrested Chinese nationals, said they had been mining in the community since last year and were doing so on behalf of their superior officials residing in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Authorities said further investigations were ongoing and that those found culpable would be prosecuted accordingly.
