The Benue State government has suspended all mining activities in the state pending the conclusion of the miners verification exercise being carried out.
Governor Hyacinth Alia who disclosed this in Makurdi at the launch of the initial 60 mining marshals said the aim was to secure mineral sites and combat illegal mining activities across the state and create a safe environment around the mineral sites.
Represented by the deputy governor, Barr. Sam Ode, he said the launch was to comply with the directive of the federal government that all states with mineral resources should replicate the launch of the mining marshals to stop activities of illegal miners.
He said the federal government had launched the Mining Marshals for the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) last month and it was expected for all state commands of the corps through the state governments and Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee (MIREMCO) to reciprocate same, adding that Benue is the first state to replicate this.
He said, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim, the chairman of MIREMCO, has the core mandate and responsibility of projecting the image and interest of the Benue mining industry nationally and internationally, and supporting the state to actualise set objectives and goals in the sector to enhance development.
Earlier, the state NSCDC commandant, Yakubu Ibrahim commended Governor Alia for being the first to replicate the directive.
