The Benue State Government has suspended all mining activities in the state until the security situation around mining sites improves.
State Governor Hyacinth Alia gave the directive when he met with members of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Benue Chapter in Makurdi.
He directed the Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee (MIREMCO) to immediately begin documentation of all miners in the state.
The governor expressed deep concern over the degenerating security situation in places where mining activities are carried out, suspending all such activities until peace is restored to the areas.
Alia wants the miners to support the security efforts in their various localities rather than being a threat to them.
According to the state chief executive, the danger associated with mining activities in the State far outweighs the benefits, insisting that one life lost is one too many.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
