The Cross River State Government, through its Anti-Illegal Mining Committee and Taskforce in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, has embarked on a five-day sensitization tour across 10 Local Government Areas of the State.
Chairman of the Anti-Illegal Mining Committee and Taskforce, Prince Paul Effiong, who made this know to newsmen, described the situation as dire, warning that “Cross River State is sitting on a time bomb if the activities of illegal miners are not urgently curtailed.
He underscored the immense natural and mineral wealth of the State, stressing that when properly harnessed, it could drive sustainable development and boost the State’s economy.
According to him, Illegal mining is not only destroying the environment, but also threatening public health and security.
Prince Effiong cautioned communities to be vigilant against bribery and manipulation by illegal miners.
The Chairman further raised security concerns about the unchecked movement of foreign nationals into forested areas.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Mrs. Beatrice Nyiam, emphasized the need for the sensitization, noting that the alarming influx of unidentified individuals engaging in unauthorized mining in their hinterlands was alarming.
Also speaking, the State Security Adviser, retired Major General Okoi Obono acknowledged that Cross River has a longstanding reputation for peace and hospitality but warned that the influx of unidentifiable strangers poses a clear risk.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Otuekong Francis Edet, appealed to community leaders to take a good stance on the mining business but with legal backings.
In Boki Local Government Area, the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty Otu Fredaline Akandu lauded Governor Bassey Otu for establishing the Anti-Illegal Mining Committee and pledged full support from the traditional institution.
The sensitization campaign is aimed to create synergy among the three tiers of government, share vital knowledge, and develop sustainable strategies for effective resource management in the State.
