Officials from the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, along with traditional rulers, have been accused of aiding and abetting illegal mining activities within the state.
The allegations were made by the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Mr Adamu Omadefu, during a recent plenary session in Lafia in a motion of public importance sponsored by Daniel Ogah Ogazi(APC, Kokona East).
Ogazi expressed concern that the criminal activities are being carried out with the connivance of ministry officials.
Omadefu (APC, Keana) described the situation as worrisome and called for a concerted effort among stakeholders to eliminate illegal mining in Nasarawa State.
Adding to the discussion, Musa Ibrahim, a former Commissioner of Environment and Natural Resources and current representative of Doma South Constituency, explained that illegal miners cannot operate without the knowledge of officials.
Ibrahim alleged that government officials and community leaders are being bribed with U.S. dollars to facilitate these illegal activities.
Mr Onarigu Onah Kana (SDP, Loko/Udege) echoed these sentiments, noting that traditional rulers are also implicated in contributing to the menace of illegal mining in the state.
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