Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has ordered the immediate suspension of activities at the Mararrabar Birnin Yauri gold mining site in Ngaski Local Government Area following a violent clash that claimed one life.
The governor, who made an unscheduled visit to the site on Thursday, said the decision was to restore peace and forestall further bloodshed.
Idris directed security operatives to take full control of the area until a lasting resolution is reached between the host communities and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI).
He expressed dismay that Kebbi indigenes were being sidelined in the mining business, despite being landowners. The governor also raised alarm over the influx of foreigners from Mali, Tanzania, Chad and Niger into the state through mining activities.
The governor further instructed the state Ministry of Mining to compile a comprehensive register of all licensed miners and firms operating in Kebbi. According to him, this would ensure orderliness and transparency in the sector.
In a peace gesture, Idris approved the release of about 50 youths earlier remanded over mining-related violence.
He appealed to them to embrace peace and dialogue, stressing that his administration would not condone violence in any form.
“Mining must bring prosperity, not conflict, to our people,” the governor said.
Naijaonpoint reported earlier this week how the Yauri Local Government Area (LGA) of Kebbi State was forced to impose a 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew following a bloody clash between youths engaged in gold mining activities in the Garin Katta community.
The unrest, which erupted last Saturday, led to the loss of lives and widespread destruction of property.
However, the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
According to Channels Television, eyewitnesses claimed that the crisis began when a group of miners allegedly killed an individual during a dispute.
The victim’s relatives were said to have launched a retaliatory attack the following day, which then provoked further violence.
In retaliation, the miners reportedly went on a rampage, vandalising shops and setting motorcycles ablaze indiscriminately.
Confirming the development, Chairman of Yauri Local Government, Abubakar Shuaibu, said he had informed the Police Area Commander and the Department of State Services (DSS) before the crisis escalated.
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