The Caretaker Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State, Rev. Fr. Mark Teryila Hule, recently uncovered a significant illegal mining site within the region, identified as a major contributor to environmental degradation in the LG and its surroundings.
Leading a group of local youths accompanied by security personnel, Rev. Fr. Hule took action to enforce Governor Hyacinth Alia’s directives prohibiting illegal mining activities in the state.
Expressing concern over the extensive damage inflicted upon the fertile land by unlawful groups, the caretaker chairman called upon both the federal and state governments to promptly address the issue by providing reparations for the harmed land.
In a statement released by his media aide, Ahundu Joseph Ahundu, the chairman expressed shock at the extent of sabotage witnessed in the Liev 1 community and emphasized that such activities likely involved organized crime with the collusion of security forces and influential individuals in the area.
The chairman pleaded with the government at both levels to treat his appeal as an urgent call for help, citing the severe consequences of the illegal mining activities on the Kwande community. He highlighted adverse effects such as a decline in life expectancy, a rise in school dropouts, increased youth drug addiction, lack of water sources, and the absence of accessible road networks.
Rev. Hule acknowledged Governor Alia’s commitment to combat illegal mining, thanking him for unveiling the extent of illegality and criminality affecting the well-being of the people.
In a stern warning, Rev. Hule cautioned those engaging in illegal mining to cease their activities immediately or face apprehension and legal consequences.
IMAGE: DailyPost
