Zamfara: Massive Illegal Mining In Talata Mafara Local Government.

 

Despite the shoot at sight order given against illegal miners by Gov Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara State, massive illegal mining is reported to be currently taking place in Talata Mafara local government area of Zamfara State.

According to our sources, locals have been quoted saying "security personnel in large number Hilux vehicles giving protection to illegal miners in their large numbers, mining gold and other related minerals in sauna, gwale, Dan bagudu, tsanu, and gemawa villages in the Talata Mafara local government area.

The locals further revealed that large volumes of gold are being mined and transported to camps situated near the mining sites. According to them, " Labourers within and around Kasar Sauna are being recruited daily to participate in the mining activities with heavy security guards giving maximum protection to them."

According to our investigations, the massive mining activities taking place in the area were directed by the Zamfara State government. Our source, who pleaded unanimous, said the mining was ordered by the state Gov Dauda Lawal.

When contacted, the Senior Special Assistant to the Gov on media, press, and public enlightenment, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura said Gov Dauda Lawal Dare was not the first to engage in the illegal mining. "Many people have been doing it before Dauda Lawal, including highly placed individuals from Abuja. so, what's big deal about it?"

It may be recall that Gov Dauda Lawal, worried by the escalating security challenges in the state, recently ordered security to shoot at sight any illegal miners in Zamfara state.