FCT : Minister Of Solid Minerals Seals Illegal Gold Mine In Gwagwalada

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has ordered the sealing of an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

A statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori in Abuja says the action follows reports of renewed unlawful activities in the area, shortly after mining marshals shut down another site earlier this month where sixteen suspects were arrested.

The statement says the illegal operations began after a gold vein was accidentally discovered during the digging of a soakaway pit.

According to the statement, the latest incident occurred on a farmland behind CKC in Gwagwalada.

According to the statement, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Attah Onoja, confirmed that his men have mounted 24-hour surveillance on the affected sites.

It advises residents to avoid the area due to possible health and environmental risks, stressing that the Federal Government is deploying satellite technology to strengthen monitoring and eradicate illegal mining nationwide.

PR/Georgina Humphrey