The Kogi State Government has stated that mining activities are yet to be banned as the issue and that the processes are ongoing to ensure due process is followed in achieving the goal of having a safe and secure state.
This was made known in Lokoja by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo.
He said the State Government is a “firm believer in due process”, insisting that those processes will be followed before the decision is officially announced and enforced.
“We cannot unilaterally ban mining despite the security threats by activities of miners in the state. The State Executive Council has directed the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State to communicate to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development as well as the office of the National Security Adviser and heads of security agencies.
“As soon as we get responses from the Ministry, we will communicate to the public and ensure the right thing is done lawfully and orderly.
“Let me also tell members of the public not to take the laws into their hands by enforcing any ban on mining activities. When approved, we will deploy the right modalities to achieve our objective of ensuring security in our state.
“In the same vein, I want to reiterate that the State Government will be communicating to the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy as well as the Nigerian Communications Commission to seek the permission and cooperation of telecom service providers to shut down some masts for effective security operations in some areas.
“For the past two months, our government has intensified a ceaseless onslaught on bandits and other criminals in the state. The State Executive Council also resolved to seek the cooperation of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the NCC to shut down some masts in some flashpoints to enable our security agents deal decisively with issues of insecurity in those areas,” he said.
The Information Commissioner assured the people of the state of the determination of Governor Ahmed Ododo to spare no resources in ensuring that Kogi State is free from the activities of criminals.
He urged Kogi residents not to harbor criminals, but rather provide credible intelligence to security agencies to keep the state safe.
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