Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has banned illegal mining in the state and ordered security agents to shoot violators of the order on sight.
The governor’s media aide, Suleiman Idris, quoted Governor Lawal saying the order was part of measures to restore law and order.
Governor Lawal noted that illegal mining had fuelled banditry and other criminal activities in parts of Zamfara.
“Illegal mining is undeniably one of the driving forces behind the rampant banditry plaguing Zamfara.
“We must take swift and decisive action to curb this menace and restore peace and security to our communities,’’ the statement read.
The governor ordered security agencies to take other stringent measures against those violating the order.
According to him, it is time to end the destructive activity and implement measures to protect the safety and well-being of the people.
“The directive is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the people of Zamfara and deter potential wrongdoers.
“It is also a swift action to enable the government to be in total control of the state’s resources and block activities that endanger the lives and properties of the people,’’ he said.
