Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has ordered the immediate suspension of activities at the Mararrabar Birnin Yauri gold mining site in Ngaski Local Government Area, following a violent clash that left one person dead.
The governor, who paid an unscheduled visit to the site on Thursday, directed security agencies to take full control of the area until a lasting solution is reached between the host communities and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative, PAGMI.
He expressed concern that Kebbi communities were being sidelined in the mining business, despite owning the land, and warned against the influx of foreigners from Mali, Tanzania, Chad, and Niger into the state.
Idris further ordered the Ministry of Mining to compile a register of all licensed miners and firms operating in Kebbi to ensure orderliness in the sector.
The governor also approved the release of about 50 youths earlier remanded over mining-related violence, urging them to embrace peace and dialogue.
