By Laiatu Augustine Bamaiyi,
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has ordered the suspension of all mining activities in Yauri following a violent clash at the Mararabar Yauri mining site that claimed a life and left properties destroyed.
He vowed to sanitize the sector, insisting that Kebbi youths must be meaningfully engaged in artisanal mining and protected from exploitation.
The Governor, who spoke during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Zayyanu Abdullahi, on Thursday, decried the activities of illegal foreign miners whom he accused of intimidating host communities while exploiting the state’s vast mineral resources.
“We will not fold our arms and allow our people to be treated like slaves in their own land.
The Almighty Allah blessed us with gold and other solid minerals.
Our citizens must be the first beneficiaries,” Idris declared.
He linked unregulated mining to insecurity, warning against the infiltration of miners from Mali, Niger, Tanzania and other countries.
“We will not tolerate acts of impunity by foreigners or anyone.
This government is committed to restoring order,” he said.
Idris explained that the suspension would remain until artisanal miners across all sites are fully profiled and registered.
He stressed that accountability was necessary to prevent further unrest.
The Emir of Yauri, in his remarks, applauded the Governor’s swift intervention and decision to suspend activities at the troubled site, noting that many miners operated illegally, armed and emboldened by the support of some security operatives and politicians.
“They have become powerful, lawless and a threat to peace. They must be checked,”
the Emir warned, while commending Idris for his leadership and loyalty to the Yauri Emirate.
During the visit, Hon. Bello Abubakar Kaoje, member representing Suru/Bagudo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was conferred with the traditional title of Ardon Yauri by the Emir.
