Kogi traditional rulers team up with NSCDC to combat unlawful coal extraction

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The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Ankpa Traditional Council in Kogi State have agreed to work together to combat illegal coal mining and promote lawful mining activities in Ankpa Local Government Area.

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The Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Attah, made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.

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The statement said the agreement was reached during a courtesy visit on Thursday by a delegation of the marshals led by Attah to the palace of the Ejeh of Ankpa and Chairman of the Ankpa Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Abubakar Ahmed.

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Speaking during the visit, Onoja conveyed the goodwill of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, urging residents to support only licensed mining operators.

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He called on host communities to report any licensed mining company that fails to comply with its Community Development Agreement (CDA), assuring them that such complaints would be addressed by the appropriate authorities.

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According to Onoja, Ankpa’s rich deposits of coal and other solid minerals should be harnessed to drive economic growth rather than contribute to environmental damage, insecurity and avoidable loss of lives.

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“The mineral resources with which Ankpa has been blessed should not become a curse to the people. Following our engagement with the traditional council, anyone who continues to engage in illegal mining will be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the law,” he said.

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The Mining Marshals commander expressed concern over the rising number of deaths linked to unregulated mining operations, warning that unsafe mining practices would no longer be tolerated.

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He reiterated the commitment of the Mining Marshals to sanitising the nation’s mining sector through sustained enforcement of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, while strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions and host communities.

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In his response, the Ejeh of Ankpa commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC Commandant General for what he described as their swift intervention in addressing illegal mining activities in the area.

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The monarch pledged the full support of the Ankpa Traditional Council in promoting responsible and lawful mining

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“We are committed to supporting safe mining. A well-regulated mining sector will create employment opportunities for our youths while protecting lives and the environment,” the royal father said.

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He also declared zero tolerance for illegal and unregulated mining, assuring the Federal Government that the traditional institution would work closely with the Mining Marshals and other relevant authorities to ensure mining activities in Ankpa comply with existing laws.

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Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at eliminating illegal mining, protecting host communities and ensuring that the mineral resources in Ankpa contribute to the socio-economic development of Kogi State and the country.

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