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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, has inaugurated the initial 30 mining marshals to curb Illegal mining of solid minerals across the state.
Recall that the Federal Government had launched the “Mining Marshals” for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), last month and directed all state commands of the Corps through the State Government and the Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee, (MIREMCO), to reciprocate same.
Inaugurating the marshals before the leadership and members of the MIREMCO and NSCDC in Makurdi on Friday, the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Sam Ode, said the Mining Marshals in conjunction with MIREMCO are to, among other objectives, “promote, project, and defend the interests of the people of Benue and the affairs of the state in general mostly as partains illegal mining activities and the promotion of lives and property around areas of mining.”
He observed that Barr Fidelis Mnyim who is the Chairman of MIREMCO, has the core mandate and responsibilities of projecting the image and interest of the Benue Mining Industry nationally and internationally, and supporting the State to actualize set objectives and goals in the sector to enhance development.
He charged those inaugurated to secure Benue’s collective assets in areas of solid minerals, amongst others.
He noted that some illegal mining sites have been identified and would be manned by the newly created Mining Marshals to curtail the activities of illegal miners.
“You are also charged with the responsibilities of destroying illegal refineries and those arrested would face the wrath of the law,” he said.
Governor Alia also announced the suspension of all mining activities in the State until miners data was collated by MIREMCO.
He warned that until the verification exercise was concluded, all mining activities would be placed on hold pending the outcome of the verification.
He enjoined the security apparatus, the joint Taskforce on illegal mining, MIREMCO to ensure that the right thing was done to enhance the well-being of the people and increase the Internally Generated Revenue.
“I would not tolerate any illegality as it is my administration’s prerogative to protect lives and property of the people.
“Since my assumption of Office on May 29, 2023 I have paid keen interest to the issues that bother the state particularly on wealth creation, which if our natural resources from mining are well monitored and harnessed would enhance Benue’s development.”
Alia pledged to synergize with them to project, promote and defend activities of the state that would enhance the growth and development of the state.
The Chairman of MIRECOM, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim, said the programme was initiated by Federal Government to help states curb the insecurity in the mining site and improve the mining industry of the country.
Mnyim who noted that illegal mining is linked to insecurity, deaths and other social vices said the illegal mining sites are used for sale of illicit drugs. “The environmental degradation is much, many Benue son have died in the mining pits. Miners do not pay royalty denying us of the 13 percent derivatives. This is done pending when there will be revalidation of mining licences in the State,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of members of the Mining Marshals, the leader and Head Of Department, (HOD), Critical Infrastructure, NSCDC, DCC Adegbe Ibrahim, appreciated the Governor for finding worthy pledging that they would strive to meet up with all charges given to them.
