By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Boki
The Federal Mines Officer in Cross River State, Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, Engr. Ayelabola Olubunmi has disclosed that the Federal Government will embark on clamping down exercises and arrest all firms and persons engaged in illegal mining activities in the state.
He disclosed that the government was losing millions of naira in revenue to the illegal mining activities.
He alleged that the illegalities were carried out by undocumented firms operating in forest communities across Cross River State.
He spoke during a fact-finding meeting with traditional leaders and other stakeholders in Butatong community, Boki Local Government Area yesterday.
The meeting was convened following reports of an influx of foreigners and private militia into communities around the Okwango Division of the Cross River National Park, amid concerns over mining activities in the area.
Olubunmi said several mining operators were active in Okwa villages 1 and 2, which are enclaves within the Cross River National Park and adjoining Butatong, without the knowledge or approval of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals.
“There are a lot of mining persons in Okwa villages 1 and 2, which are enclaves in the CRNP, adjoining Butatong. These firms are not known to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals and they do not go through legal procedures, thereby denying the Federal Government its due royalties,” he said.
“We don’t want firms to enter our forests for mining activities through the backdoor. We’ll definitely fish them out,” he said, adding that the ministry would soon intensify sensitisation and enforcement visits to affected communities.
He also warned traditional rulers and community leaders against granting mining consent based on fake or unapproved documents, saying the ministry had officially licensed firms authorised to undertake mining activities in designated parts of the state.
According to him, government needs mining companies that can be held accountable for their activities, unlike illegal operators who exploit community resources without providing corresponding benefits to the affected communities.
Olubunmi said the activities of illegal miners could also trigger social conflicts, while causing deforestation and environmental degradation.
“Mining activities must be in line with Minerals and Mining Act of 2007,” he emphasised, warning illegal miners and those aiding their activities that the government would treat their operations as economic sabotage.
He called on residents to remain vigilant and report mining activities that could expose communities to environmental, health and security risks.
Olubunmi further disclosed that the Mines Office would collaborate with the National Park Service, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to inspect mining sites and verify compliance with licences, approvals and other regulatory requirements.
The Clan Head of Butatong, HRH Otu Gregory Apah, urged indigenes not to harbour illegal miners and appealed to the government to provide basic social amenities to the mineral-rich community.
The Chairman of Butatong Community Council, Benedict Apah, and Chief Denis Osor said they were not aware of mineral deposits in Butatong itself but confirmed that mining activities were ongoing in neighbouring enclave communities, including Okwango, Okwa 1, Okwa 2 and Bumagi.
They expressed concern over the continued influx of foreigners into the communities, alleging that some arrive with arms and mining equipment, which they said could pose a serious security threat to residents.
