Illicit Mining is said to have caused landslides that have claimed at least 30 lives in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, while 19 people were kidnapped in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja. These were discussed at the first meeting between the six area council chairmen and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Illicit Mining Raises Concern
Concerned by the recent events, the Minister announced that he would summon the FCT Director of State Services and the Commissioner of Police to support rescue efforts by providing a thorough briefing on the kidnapping issue. Wike said he will meet with his counterpart in Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, to end illicit mining in the FCT while requesting the council leaders to establish a surveillance task team in respective regions to monitor mining activities.
Kidnapping in FCT
Danladi Chiya, the chairman of the Kwali Area Council, spoke about the difficulties facing the councils and pleaded with the Wike and Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State, to assist them.
“We were happy to hear about your appointment because you have served as the chairman of the Council and understand our challenges,” he remarked. Punch quotes the Chairman saying the local government system’s under-funding is one of our problems. The six Area Councils’ widespread insecurity is a significant problem for us. Around 19 persons were kidnapped in the Bwari Area Council on Thursday.
Issue of Sanitation
My council just received five individuals who had been held captive for almost six days. The growth of satellite towns comes next. One of the biggest problems we have is the issue of sanitation. Additionally, there is no reliable transportation system. The buses used by the Abuja Urban Mass Transit are no longer operational. The allotment of land is another issue. If you sit on the council, someone you don’t even know will get into the backyard.
Land Distribution
“The obligation of primary school teachers is on the local governments. Graveyards and worship centres would be allocated, and all we are saying is that we should be carried along in terms of land distribution. The council, which is mandated to have a 60–40% split in the law, is responsible for paying the wages of the UBE. We are begging you to assist us so that this matter can be investigated.
30 People Lost Their Lives
Abdullahi Sabo, the chairman of the Kuje Area Council, too bemoaned the threat posed by illegal miners, adding, “There is the issue of illicit mining in the FCT. Mining licences are distributed indiscriminately, which has increased security. Chinese citizens receive letters of consent from them. Jerrymusa.com reports that at least 30 persons lost their lives in a landslip just a few days earlier as a result of illegal miners’ actions.
Solution to Illicit Mining
Please ask the Minister of Mines to put an end to mining in the FCT. “We have an issue with sanitation. Sanitation is a major problem. The council has a duty to not only collect the fees but also to remove trash. By using a standard template, we must sit down and collaborate on this. Wike responded, “I will speak with the minister about illicit mining. Normally, I would advise you to create your own surveillance taskforce in your capacity as the councils’ chief security officers, make arrests, and receive our cooperation. But I’ll see the minister