Federal Government has directed all illegal miners in Zamfara State to vacate the area with immediate effect in response to a recent outbreak of lead poisoning,
This directive was issued on Tuesday by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
The Minister emphasized that the ongoing ban on mining in Zamfara remains in force until the issuance of standard operating procedures that will regulate future mining operations in the state.
Alake was reacting to reports of lead poisoning in Bugundu Local Government Area, describing the situation as a clear indication that illegal mining persists despite the six-year-old ban.
“The ban on mining in the State in the last six years meant there shouldn’t have been any reason for lead poisoning,” the statement read.
He placed blame on traditional rulers and local authorities, accusing them of allowing unauthorized mining to thrive within their jurisdictions, thereby defying government directives.
“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities. Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives,” Alake stated.
“However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case.”
To address the crisis, the Minister said that the ministry will act on expert reports and recommendations to implement appropriate interventions aimed at preventing future tragedies.
While commending the Zamfara State government for its swift deployment of emergency response teams to affected communities, Alake stressed the need for closer cooperation between the state government and officials from his ministry.
“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he added.
Alake disclosed that the government is set to unveil a comprehensive framework that will regulate the resumption of mining activities in the state.
These new procedures will also address the status of current license holders, new applicants, adherence to community development agreements, and environmental remediation measures.
The Minister concluded by expressing confidence in the Federal Government’s recent decision to deploy satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining activities across the country, a move he believes will significantly curb illegal practices and restore order in the sector.
