Kebbi State Governor Nasiru-Idris
In response to growing tensions and a recent deadly altercation, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has ordered the immediate and temporary closure of the Mararrabar Birnin Yauri gold mining site located in Ngaski Local Government Area.
During an unscheduled visit to the site on Thursday, Governor Idris expressed deep concern over reports of disputes between local communities and representatives of the Federal Government’s mining initiative.
> “I am hereby directing security operatives to take over the mining site until an amicable solution can be reached between the Kebbi Government and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI),” he declared.
Governor Idris emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in all mining activities across the state.
> “Kebbi Government wants to know everything about all mining activities in the state,” he said.
“The government does not benefit from mining, but our communities who own the land under which solid minerals are located deserve better treatment—they must be engaged as beneficiaries.”
To that end, the governor instructed the state’s Ministry of Mining to create a detailed registry of all individuals, companies, and organizations involved in gold and mineral exploration in Kebbi.
Recounting a recent fatal incident linked to illegal mining in the region, Idris stressed that such unrest cannot be tolerated.
> “No responsible government would allow that to continue,” he stated. “We cannot allow unknown persons from foreign countries, like Mali, Tanzania, Chad, and Niger, to come and constitute security threats in our state.”
As part of efforts to restore peace, the governor also ordered the release of around 50 youths who had been arrested and detained following recent clashes, opting for an out-of-court settlement approach.
Earlier, the governor was briefed on issues surrounding the mining operations by PAGMI representative Musa Adamu-Dantata and the state Commissioner for Mining, Garba Hassan-Warrah.
