Benue Gov’t inaugurates Mining Marshals to curb illegal mining
By Bridget Tikyaa Ikyado
As part of efforts to improve the State revenue generation and security, Gov Hyacinth Alia on Friday inaugurated initial 30 Mining Marshals to curb illegal mining of solid minerals across the State.
Performing the ceremony at the Government House in Makurdi, Gov Alia said the marshals would carry out their functions in conjunction with Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee (MIREMCO).
Represented by his deputy, Dr Sam Ode, Gov Alia said the marshals shall 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.
“Today as I inaugurate the Mining Marshals they would carry out their functions in conjunction with MIREMCO and among other objectives, to promoting, projecting and defending 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.
“Barr Fidelis Mnyim ,Chairman of MIREMCO as we know 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 said
He said despite the challenges of governance in the State, the committee and the NSCDC should not relent in its efforts to combat crimes and criminalities especially as it concerns Benue State’s rich mineral resources.
He said his administration would not tolerate any illegality as it was his administration’s prerogative to protect lives and property of the people.
“Your efforts hence forth should be to ensure modest contributions towards the actualisation of a better Benue that works not only for the people of the State but for the overall development of our country, Nigeria.
“As you are aware, the challenges of development and transforming a State like Benue, is daunting especially at this time when resources available to constituted authorities for development purposes are dwindling amidst the ever growing dependence and demand for these scarce resources.
“What is required at a time such as this is a resourceful and visionary leadership committed to leveraging abundant talents coupled with managing the limited resources to reposition and transform the lives and livelihoods of the people. It is the hallmark of my administration’s blueprint and underpins our 7-point agenda”.he said
Gov Alia further charged the marshals to secure Benue’s collective assets in areas of solid minerals, amongst others.
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.
“As you all know 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.
“I have met with members of the Miners Association and have a directive for the suspension of all mining activities in the State until miners data was collated.
“As the Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee (MIREMCO) would collate data of all miners in the state.Until the verification exercise was concluded, all mining activities would be placed on hold pending the outcome of the verification”.he said
Earlier, in his welcome address, Barr Fidelis Mnyim, Chairman of MIREMCO and also Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order said Benue has 34 out of the country’s 47 mineral resources.
Barr Mnyim said the main objective of the mining marshals was to protect lives and property in and around mining sites and end illegal mining in the State.
He said the activities of the illegal miners were seriously affecting the State IGR, creating environmental degradation in the communities where these sites are operated and many deaths.
According to him the major rivers in Kwande and Vandiekya were already damaged because of the activities of illegal miners.
Also, Mrs Adijetu Usuman, Assistant Director Geology, Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals, and also State Coordinator MIREMCO commended the governor for taking the mining sector seriously.
Speaking on behalf of the Benue Mining Marshals, the Commander, Deputy Commandant, Adegbe Ibrahim plegded to do their best on the given assignment.
Bridget Tikyaa Ikyado writes from Makurdi, the Benue State capital
