Members of the Kogi State House of Assembly have lamented the increasing spate of insecurity as a result of untamed illegal mining activities in the state.
Speaking during a public hearing on a bill for a law to prohibit the issuance of mining permits in Kogi state and other matters connected therewith, 2024, the Chairperson, House Committee on Mining, Hon Omotayo Adeleye noted that when passed into law, it will help to track down illegal miners operating in the state.
According to the lawmaker, who is representing Ijumu State Constituency, it will also help to address issues of environmental degradation which is being caused by miners in the state.
“The rising cases of insecurity in some parts of the state is as a result of the activities of illegal miners.
“Where this illegal mining is taking place, that is where you will see some set of individuals taking hard drugs, have possession of dangerous weapons to commit crimes.
“This must stop. That is the more reason this bill is coming at a better time to stop this menace.
“We won’t allow some selfish individuals to come into our own State to explore our God-given mineral resources to enrich themselves,” she said.
Adeleye added that the members of the 8th assembly needed the support of all stakeholders, such as traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organizations to ensure that the bill became law.
Other lawmakers agreed that activities of illegal miners had increased insecurity, describing the development was very worrisome.
They submitted that all hands must be on deck to check the activities of illegal miners in the state.
