Cross River State has announced measures to combat illegal mining in the state, following the increase of foreign nationals and illegal miners from the Sahel region of West Africa.
The illegal miners have reportedly moved into many communities of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State in large numbers and are said to come from Mali, Niger Republic and from some northern states.
However, scores of them have been arrested by the state government.
In an interview, the Chairman of the State Anti-Illegal Mining Committee and Taskforce, Prince Paul Effiong, confirmed that strategic measures have been put in place to combat illegal mining activities in the state.
He said the measures will be implemented in collaboration with the State Security Advisor, Maj. Gen. Okoi Obono (rtd) and his team, adding that covert actions have been initiated to bring illegal miners and defaulters to justice.
“These efforts are part of our commitment to ensuring that illegal mining activities, which harm our environment and pose security risks are eradicated,” Effiong stated.
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He said that the safety of the people of Cross River State is paramount and as such they are determined to protect both the land and its people.
“The anti-illegal mining committee and taskforce team backed by the state security advisor and his team is focusing on enforcement measures to target illegal mining hotspots and ensure that violators face the full weight of the law,” the chairman said.
Effiong advised the public to report any suspicious illegal mining activity, as collaboration from the community is crucial in keeping the state safe and prosperous.
In a related development, the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Mr. Yibala Inyang, has confirmed that the state government has dispatched the military to confront the illegal miners.
