Executive Chairman of Hawul LGA, Yusuf Mamman Msheliza
Executive Chairman of Hawul Local Government Area in Borno State, Yusuf Mamman Msheliza has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal gold mining activities, popularly known in Hausa as Taunar Zinari, across several communities in the council area.
The directive affects mining sites in Kwajaffa, Tashan Alade, Dzur, Manjakwa, and other surrounding communities. The chairman also announced a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages and the operation of brothels in all unlicensed and unregistered centres within the local government.
Hon. Msheliza, who issued the warning in an interview with newsmen on Friday, lamented that unchecked illegal mining and unregulated social activities had encouraged truancy among pupils and students, worsened youth delinquency, and contributed to rising insecurity in the area—developments he said would not be tolerated under his administration.
The chairman explained that the recent raids on illegal miners and alcohol sellers were part of deliberate efforts to restore order and sanity in the council.
He recalled that upon assuming office in January, he discovered that most beer parlours and recreational centres were operating without official registration or approval from relevant authorities.
According to him, this situation allowed questionable individuals to dominate the business, leading to health challenges, youth-related deaths, and frequent community disturbances, especially around brothels.
The chairman, further, revealed that illegal mining activities in some parts of the council had forced more than 500 schoolchildren to abandon their education, particularly in Kwajaffa District.
He warned that Hawul would not be allowed to serve as a hub for illegal businesses and meeting points under his leadership.
He also cautioned wealthy individuals to desist from engaging in Bada Kaka—a loan system in which borrowers repay nearly double the amount after a short period—describing it as exploitative and a major source of community conflicts.
In his words: “When I assumed the mantle of leadership, I realized that it is good to take necessary actions to ensure sanity in Hawul. Therefore, upon resumption, I quickly held a meeting with security agencies, traditional/religious leaders and stakeholders.
“Part of our resolutions is to immediately halt the ongoing illegal mining of minerals popularly known in local language as Zinari mostly found in Kwajaffa, Tashan Alade, Dzur, Manjakwa and other general communities.
“I also directed the stoppage of sales of alcoholic beverages, bars and brothels that are not officially registered or licensed. Infact we have directed that anyone found wanting must be arrested and prosecuted according to the existing Laws of the Borno State Government.
“It is very unfortunate that such unwholesome development that hitherto remained unchecked have initiated many pupils and students absconding from their school hours, deepened or rather added serious breeding of insecurity, which is unacceptable under my leadership.
“More disheartening is that the illegal mining of minerals (Zinari) in some communities across the Council have forced over 500 school children absconding from schools or not attending lessons, especially in Kwajaffa District.
“Likewise, we observed that some well-to- do individuals engages in Bada Kaka (giving money as loan or credit, while the collector must pay almost double amount after some few time), which will never be accepted, because such habit have caused a lot of conflicts and disagreement between parties in various communities.”
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Alcoholic Beverages Dealers in Hawul, Mr. Philemon Amos, described the initiative as timely and commendable.
He said: “We are ready to support the present administration in ensuring that legal and duly registered members engage and continue the business.
“Already, we have started compiling genuine list of our members to ensure anyone who engage into the business is captured in our data base, officially registered and authorized by Government for proper monitoring and evaluation of the process for peaceful coexistence.
“Let me use this opportunity to commend the Chairman for the good anticipated initiative, because, that is what we have been clamoring for since.”
Mr. Amos added that his association would continue to work closely with the local government to promote compliance with regulations and ensure peaceful coexistence across communities in Hawul.
