Yagba West Local Government Council in Kogi state has placed an indefinite ban on all forms of illegal mining in the area with immediate effect.
The Council Chairman, Hon Tosin Olokun, made this known on Monday.
Olokun said henceforth, all miners operating without a valid operational license and proper registration with the local government council are prohibited from carrying out any mining activity within Yagba West.
He explained that the decisive action is part of the Council’s proactive security measures to curb the rising infiltration of criminal elements who disguise themselves as miners and take undue advantage of their forests and communities.
“The safety and security of our people remain a top priority.
“Miners and stakeholders in the mining sector are hereby urged to visit the Yagba West Local Government Secretariat for proper documentation, registration, and recognition. This process is essential to enable the Local Government to distinguish between genuine operators and illegal elements threatening peace and development,” he said.
He appealed for the cooperation of all residents, traditional institutions, and security agencies in enforcing the directive.
