C'River Gov't Vow To Clamp Down On Illegal Miners, Embarks On Advocacy Visits To Host Communities 

By Ndifereke BASSEY

The fight against illegal mining is gathering momentum as 
Cross River government have vowed to clamp down on illegal miners operating in various communities of Biase, Obubra, Obanliku, Obudu and Yala.

The governemnt is also collaboration with Mineral Resources and Environmental Committee (MIREMCO) on sensitisation visit and advocacy training of the locals.

The exercise is is aimed at increasing collaboration of the locals with the state government to forestall the menace.

Addressing traditional rulers, youths, women and opinion leaders in  Obudu, Obanliku, Yala, Biase and Obubra communities,  the Commissioner for Mineral Resources Hon Effiom-Ekaha Otu said government is determined to prosecute illegal miners in the state.

Otu said it based on government policy that the advocacy meeting was convened to educate the host communities on the devastating menace of the activities of illegal mining in the state.

Otu emphasised that illegal mining was a criminal offence as it violated principles regarding  mining laws as entrenched in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He stated that in collaboration with the federal government , perpetrators would be fished out and prosecuted.

 The Commissioner lamented the devastating effect of illegal mining on state's economy and the environment especially in the destruction of farm lands , and water bodies.

According to him, the general upheaval created by the excavation, exposure of the populace to the possible emission of dangerous chemicals from such craters and burrows as well as the exploitation of youth in the activities, jeopardise health hazards of rural dwellers.

  The Commissioner recalled that recently, some youths in some communities were reported to have lost their lives while excavation and burrowing in search of minerals without compensation.

 He said: "The state government is  vehemently against such practice which he  said negates the principle of  fairness and justice. Sen. Bassey Edet Otu's administration wants to sanitize mining activities in the state.

"We advise traditional rulers, who are the custodians of the land under their jurisdiction, to be weary of the negative effects of the illegal mining activities because at the long run it would cause irreparable hazard on the environment.

"Any fraudulent person or persons with the intention  to exploit may approach the communities with all manner of pretence , cajoling them in supporting their evil intentions but urged traditional rulers, youths and opinion leaders to reject their offers and draw the attention of mineral resources for authentication of such projects.

"We, therefore, plead with the youths, who are the strength of the communities, to reject their empty promises of such illegal miners whose major interest he said were selfish, greedy and unproductive to the communities."

  Insisting that , legal mining activities would be of great benefit to both the state government, the commissioner  wonders why energetic and informed youths should allow themselves to be used for dangerous expeditions such as excavation and burrowing without any legal framework for protection or compensation in the event of calamities 

 In his remarks, Engr. Ibem Uduma of the department of mines and environment  compliance in the federal ministry of solid minerals, advised host communities to ensure that lawful agreements between any mineral explorer are signed in the presence of key stakeholders including security agents and government officials and not to be surreptitiously done so as to avoid misrepresentations.

Uduma urged the community leaders to urgently report any mining activity in their areas to  government  for quick intervention.

Also commenting, the State Chairman of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Committee ( MIREMCO) ,  Dr. Otu Archibong, said the sensitisation meeting was to further educate the communities on the need to have verifiable evidence of authorisation from  government for any exploitation of minerals to be carried out in their domains .

 According to him, there are statutory and necessary steps to be taken for any mining activities to be carried out such as environmental and social impact assessment, obtaining necessary licenses, developing reclamation and rehabilitation plans.

  In their separate responses the traditional rulers, youths, women and opinion leaders expressed happiness at the pragmatic approach of the state government towards normalising the unhealthy trend of illegal mining in various communities across the state.

  In  elated manners, they expressed confidence in the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu which according to them was trying to cub  illegalities in the state in the mining sector and other areas of the economy.