From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all mining activities in Paikoro and Shiroro Local Government Areas of the State sequel to the insecurity and environmental degradation.
A statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane which was signed by Lawal Tanko, Information Officer in SSG’s Office, said the measure to suspend mining activities in the areas underscores the breakdown of security and environmental degradation.
Matane further revealed that Government has to be decisive as the environmental degradation and insecurity caused by the activities of Miners in the areas has reached an alarming stage; therefore require urgent attention to bring back sanity in the affected Local Governments.
According to him, “protecting the sanctity of life and property of the people of the State is irrevocable; therefore Government will not scale-down the pressure on the armed bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers as well as illegal miners until they are totally flushed-out of the State”.
“May I appeal for the cooperation of the Nigerian Miners Association in the State, local communities, especially the traditional and religious leaders within the affected areas to cooperate with the security agencies with a view to ridding the State of criminal elements”, the statement added.
It would be recalled that the State Government recently directed the immediate suspension of mining activities in Gurmana, Anguwan Kampani, M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate, College of Education, Army Barracks and Lapan-Gwari as a result of security, health, environmental hazards and the illicit drug peddling in the areas poses to the people.
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