Before Insurgency Ravages Kwara, Group Calls For Action, And Accountability On Mining
The Kwara Sustainable Development Advocacy Forum (KWASDAF) has called on Governments, particularly Federal and State Governments to come out accountable and transparent on mining in Kwara State, following the seizure of 12-truck loads of Lithium by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This led to the arrest of over 40 people.
According to a report by Punch Newspaper in August 2022, over 13 illegal miners were arrested in 2022 in Kwara State alone. Likewise, The Guardian Nigeria newspaper in September 2023, reported that over 80 illegal miners were arrested in Kwara in a period of 10 months. That puts the total number of illegal miners in Kwara at about 134 between 2022 to 2024, and 2024 is still in the earliest part of the year.
The coordinator of the group, Musa Idris Buko has expressed his fears and worries about the ugly situation in a statement released.
“This is worrisome, and fear is now crippling into the mind of the populace on the potential rise of insurgency in some regions of Kwara where mining activities take place. This is an important issue Elites, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Public Affairs Analysts, Journalists and development oriented people must pay focus. The stability and relative peace of Kwara State is very crucial to our future and survival.”
“The pro-democracy group is calling on Federal Government that is currently desperate to source for new revenue lines to prioritize Kwara State in her efforts to develop the mining sector in line with global best practices. The Kwara State Government on her part should appoint a substantive Commissioner for Ministry of Works and Transport, thereby allowing the current Hon. Commissioner for Mines and Solid Minerals, who doubles as the Supervising Commissioner for Works and Transport to squarely face his job in the Ministry he was appointed to man.”
“Beyond the potential insurgency illegal mining could breed, there are issues of pollution covering land, air, and water, environmental degradation and health hazards. Political consideration for 2027 should not be the only priority for Kwara North, rather, the area and the State must live in peace to witness 2027 and beyond. However, with the increased number of illegal miners in about two years, there is need to sit and think critically about the stability of the State.” He said.
According to the Coordinator of the Group, the State Government definitely reserves the right and power to contend with the effect of the exploration activities in Kwara State. This is why we are raising early alarm on illegal mining before it sinks our dear State.
“The urge to seek for increased revenue for government has led to massive attention in mining, and the State must ensure that within the capacity it has, it designs a framework that can contain the imminent threat illegal mining poseses. Zamfara was deep in insurgency connected to illegal mining, before deploying plans for local police, Kwara State Government does not need to wait until it is late before drawing maps for local safety and policing.
“This is an advocacy for immediate action, if illegal mining in Kwara North is allowed to thrive, it will affect food security and production, the effect can only be imagined now, reality may make us wish we took a more solid ground when we had the opportunity.
The State Government should also kindly come accountable and transparent on the derivations received on mining of mineral resources in Kwara. The amount of Lithium and other resources being mined calls for serious account and transparency.” He added.
