Seven arrested over illegal gold mining activities in Kogi

Seven illegal gold miners have been arrested at Iyeh Odogbe, Isanlu in Yagba Local Government area of Kogi State.

According to a press statement from Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and was made available to Journalists in Lokoja, said the suspects were arrested by a team of Mining Marshals, adding that the arrest was part of a nationwide crackdown by the Federal Government on illegal mining activities

Tomori said the operation targeted illegal miners whose activities had, for 16 years, prevented lawfully authorised miners with licenses covering four cadastral units from accessing the site.

“The well-coordinated operation, led by Commander, Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, resulted in the arrest of seven suspects heading different groups of illegal miners in the area.

“Following the successful operation, site workers were given five days to completely vacate the site as operations to effectively secure the area and ensure it is fully recovered for lawful mining activities will continue in earnest.”

A similar operation carried out recently by the mining marshals in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, led to the arrest of eight Chinese nationals and a Nigerian, suspected to be involved in illegal mining.

The statement equally pointed out that the resolve of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake in fighting the menace of illegal mining headlong and bringing culprits to book.