Nasarawa State Officials Accused of Aiding Illegal Mining Activities
Nasarawa State, Nigeria – Officials from the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, along with traditional rulers, have been accused of colluding with illegal miners to carry out criminal activities within the state.
The allegations were made by the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Mr. Adamu Omadefu, during a recent plenary session in Lafia. Omadefu described the situation as worrisome and called for a concerted effort among stakeholders to eliminate illegal mining in Nasarawa State.
Mr. Daniel Ogah Ogazi, the sponsor of the motion, expressed concern that the criminal activities are being carried out with the connivance of ministry officials. He emphasized that the involvement of government officials and traditional rulers has made it difficult to curb the menace.
Musa Ibrahim, a former Commissioner of Environment and Natural Resources and current representative of Doma South Constituency, added that illegal miners cannot operate without the knowledge and consent of officials. Ibrahim alleged that government officials and community leaders are being bribed with U.S. dollars to facilitate these illegal activities.
Mr. Onarigu Onah Kana, a representative of Loko/Udege, echoed these sentiments, noting that traditional rulers are also implicated in contributing to the menace of illegal mining in the state.
The allegations have sparked concerns about the lack of accountability and transparency in the state’s environmental and natural resources management. The situation highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address illegal mining and ensure the protection of the environment and natural resources in Nasarawa State.
