Cross River Cracks Down On Illegal Mining Activities

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has banned illegal mining activities across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The decision was made following the outcome of strategic meeting with critical stakeholders in the sector yesterday.

Speaking during the meeting, Otu said, “This sector is strategic to the economic future of our state. But instead of bringing prosperity to our communities, it is gradually becoming a source of serious concern.

“We believe wealth can still be created from mining, but it must be done ethically, legally and with full responsibility.”

The governor said intelligence reports had shown a worrying influx of unregulated operators into mining communities, including foreign nationals whose identities and operational structures were largely unknown to the state.
“I have been receiving reports about the influx of strangers and aliens into our various communities,” he said.

Governor Otu lamented that certain local actors had compounded the problem by aiding and abetting illegal activities in the sector.

“Some of the people complicating this situation are unfortunately within our own communities,” he said.

“Some clan heads and village heads have become part of the problem by facilitating activities that are not properly regulated.”

The governor disclosed that the state government had initially attempted to manage the situation through dialogue and collaboration with federal authorities, including security agencies responsible for monitoring mining operations.

“I personally initiated discussions with federal authorities and security agencies to strengthen monitoring in the sector,” he explained.

However, after months of patience and observation, Governor Otu said it had become clear that the state must take firmer action to protect its communities and natural resources.

“We have given enough time of grace,” he declared. “There comes a point where government must act decisively. That time has now come.”

Announcing the new directive, Governor Otu stated unequivocally that all illegal mining activities must cease immediately across Cross River State.

“I am imposing a total ban on illegal mining in this state. Let everyone return to their locations. When you are ready to come back, you must first report to the ministry and be properly profiled before any activity resumes,” he said.

The governor emphasised that only operators with verifiable approvals and proper documentation would be allowed to continue operating in the state, and ordered the state security adviser to immediately coordinate enforcement across the state.