Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has issued a stern warning against those engaged in the unauthorized extraction of minerals, including uranium, in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
Alake’s determination comes in the wake of recent controversies surrounding a viral video allegedly showing 15 trucks loaded with uranium.
In a statement conveyed by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Alake expressed concern over inconsistencies in the accounts provided by mining operators and state mines inspectorate officials.
The minister emphasized the gravity of the allegations and assured that a thorough investigation is currently underway.
“After the video gained widespread attention, I instructed discreet investigations by the Mines Inspectorate, which suggested inter-firm rivalry as a potential cause for the uproar” Alake stated.
He further highlighted the possibility of such rivalries influencing the control of profitable mining areas in the region.
To gain deeper insights into the situation’s intricacies, Alake convened a meeting with various stakeholders, including representatives from the affected mining companies and local community leaders.
During the session, he remarked, “I have carefully considered all submissions and observed disparities in presentations by operators and stakeholders.”
Alake’s statement underscores his commitment to rigorously enforce the law.
“We will conduct thorough investigations into all aspects of the incident, and any operator found guilty will face revocation of their licenses. Moreover, any official found to have colluded in these unethical practices will also be subject to legal consequences” he concluded
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