The licensed and lawful coal miners in Kogi State have expressed their support for the recent joint efforts of the federal and state governments to crack down on illegal mining activities in the state.
In a statement endorsed by Innocent Ezuma, the Executive Chairman of Etazuma Mining and Industries Limited, the miners conveyed their satisfaction with the collaborative efforts of the federal and state governments in eliminating illegal mining practices.
The statement read, “We, the licensed and legal Coal Miners in Kogi State, hereby release this press statement to convey our endorsement and sincere appreciation to the President of The Federal Government of Nigeria, His Excellency Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake, and the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.”
This declaration follows the announcement by the Kogi State Government regarding the seizure of 21 trucks loaded with coal (totaling 945 tonnes), all stemming from illegal mining activities. The decisive action was taken in response to the ban on illegal mining activities declared by Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Mineral Development at the federal level.
It is noteworthy that illegal miners were implicated in the tragic explosion that occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, last week, resulting in the loss of at least three lives.
