No fewer than three Chinese nationals and several Nigerian miners have been apprehended for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities at Amba Community in Kokona local government area of Nasarawa state.
The State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who led a high-powered security operation at the mining site, confirmed the arrest of the Chinese illegal miners in the state capital.
Dr. Akabe, who took an inspection tour of the site to effect the arrest of the culprits, stated that Government has received several reports that a lot of illegal mining activities have been going on in the area despite the directive for their stoppage.
According to him, he came by himself to witness firsthand information on what was going on around the mining site, expressing deep worry over the flouting of the directive to suspend such mining activities.
While explaining the rationale for leading the arrest of some Chinese nationals and artisanal miners engaged in unlawful activities at the site, he maintained that enforcement exercise that was carried out on Friday was aimed an illegal mining site where security operatives apprehended suspects allegedly involved in unauthorised mining operations.
He, however, stated that 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.
He, therefore, asserted that mining is on the exclusive list, which mandates the Federal Government to regulate activities in the sector, reiterating the state government unwavering commitment to protect the interest of the host community and the state at large as well, ensure law and order is maintained.
According to him, there was no agreement with the community whatsoever regarding corporate social responsibility and environmental impact assessments before exploring the minerals on site, saying all culprits found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
The deputy governor reaffirmed that all areas remain closed until all litigations relating to the mining site are sorted out, warning the citizens to play their part in maintaining peace and stability of the state.
Authorities said further investigations were ongoing and that those found culpable would be prosecuted accordingly to serve as a detterent to others.
The Chinese nationals arrested on the site who spoke through an interpreter explained that they have been mining in the community since last year, adding that they were mining for their superior officials who are residing in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Umar Muhammed
