The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, on Saturday, ordered law enforcement agencies in the state to shoot anyone caught engaging in illegal mining, News About Nigeria reports.
The Governor, who issued a ban on illegal mining activities, gave the order in a statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.
He noted that it’s time to end the destructive activity and implement measures to protect the safety and well-being of the people.
Lawal also highlighted that security operatives in the state would strictly follow the order to take bold action and shoot on sight anyone found engaging in illegal mining.
The statement reads, “security operatives have been given strict orders to take bold action and shoot at sight anyone found engaging in illegal mining.
“The directive has become necessary to ensure the safety and security of the good people of Zamfara and deter potential wrongdoers from committing such acts.
“It is also designed to enable the government be in total control of state resources and block activities that endanger the lives and property of the people.
“Illegal mining is undeniably one of the driving forces behind the rampant banditry plaguing Zamfara State. We must take swift, decisive action to curb this menace and restore peace and security to our communities.”
It was gathered that over the years, illegal mining in Zamfara State has fuelled banditry and other criminal activities which is what prompted the strict order by the Zamfara Governor to curb the insecurity in the state.
