By Uzair Adam Imam
The Zamfara State Government has on Saturday issued a ban on illegal mining activities as one of the measures to curtail the lingering security challenges bedevilling the state over the years.
Governor Dauda Lawal, in a statement by his spokeswoman, Sulaiman Bala Idris, also ordered law enforcement officials to take stringent action against violators.
It was gathered that Zamfara State is one of the epicentres of banditry and kidnapping that have displaced hundreds and widowed hundreds more, as well as taken the lives of thousands of innocent souls over the years.
The Daily Reality gathered that illegal mining in Zamfara State has fuelled banditry and other criminal activities.
The governor was said to have noted that “it is time to end this destructive activity and implement measures to protect the safety and well-being of the people.”
He stressed that security operatives had been given strict orders to take bold action and shoot at anyone found engaging in illegal mining.
He said: “The directive is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the good people of Zamfara and deter potential wrongdoers from committing such acts.
“It is also a swift action to enable the State Government to be in total control of state resources and block activities that endanger the lives and properties of the people.
“Illegal mining is undeniably one of the driving forces behind the rampant banditry plaguing Zamfara State. We must take swift, decisive action to curb this menace and restore peace and security to our communities,” he added.
