FCT : Residents Of CKC Community Raise Alarm Over Activities Of Illegal Miners

Residents of the community around Christ the King College, CKC, in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory have raised alarm over the activities of suspected illegal miners operating in the area.

The residents say the continuous excavation of land following the reported discovery of a precious mineral suspected to be gold has led to the destruction of several plots which poses serious risks to nearby houses.

According to them, large portions of land have been dug up without any form of environmental control, leaving deep pits that threaten both infrastructure and public safety.

The residents lamented that activities of the miners have already caused cracks in buildings, while a number of houses are gradually becoming unsafe for habitation.

They said the situation may worsen if urgent measures are not taken to check their activities in the area.

The residents are therefore calling on the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to investigate the activities of the miners and enforce existing regulations guiding mining operations in the country.

They also argued that if mineral deposits truly exist in the area, the government should develop a structured and regulated mining process that will ensure environmental protection while enabling the country to benefit economically from the resources.

A community leader who preferred not to be named warned that the situation could lead to serious flooding during the rainy season, due to the numerous pits created by the excavation.

He noted that without proper reclamation of the affected land, heavy rainfall could wash soil into surrounding homes and roads.

Some of the miners operating in the area, however, defended their activities, saying they are only trying to get a source of livelihood.

They appealed to government authorities to consider formalising artisanal mining operations rather than shutting them down entirely.

When contacted, authorities in the Gwagwalada Area Council said the council was yet to receive any official complaint regarding illegal mining in the community.

The council, however, assured that it would investigate the matter once it receives a formal report.

Experts in the solid minerals sector say illegal mining continues to pose serious challenges across the country, including environmental degradation, loss of government revenue and safety risks to host communities.

They stressed the need for stronger enforcement of mining regulations and improved community engagement to address the problem.

Bako Abdullahi, Edited By Grace Namiji