Residents hail sealing of illegal gold mining sites in Taraba

Residents of Mayokam Community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State have welcomed the sealing of two major gold mining sites by the state’s Mobile Court over alleged environmental degradation and violations of the state’s environmental protection laws.

The affected sites, which include Gidan Boss and Gidan Star, both located in the Mayokam axis, were sealed following an inspection by the Mobile Court, which observed what it described as an alarming level of environmental degradation allegedly caused by illegal mining activities.

The enforcement operation was carried out in line with Executive Order No. 5 of 2023 on Environmental Protection, Public Safety and Prohibition of Deforestation in Taraba State.

The action, according to the task force, is aimed at protecting the environment, preserving the state’s natural resources and safeguarding communities hosting mining activities.

Residents who spoke on the development expressed satisfaction with the court’s intervention, alleging that mining activities had caused extensive damage to farmlands and the environment while providing little or no benefit to the host communities.

A community leader, Zubairu Sumaila, alleged that residents had not been adequately involved in the mining activities, despite the fact that the operations were taking place on their land.

“Apart from the fact that the miners are neither from these communities, this local government nor this state, they have not deemed it necessary to involve members of the host communities in their mining activities,” Sumaila said.

He alleged that the communities had derived little benefit from the mining operations despite the extensive environmental damage allegedly caused by the activities.

“To be frank with you, this is the best thing that has ever happened to us because we have not been benefiting from these activities, which have led to the massive destruction of our lands,” he added.

Sumaila urged the state authorities to extend the enforcement exercise to other mining sites across Taraba, saying the closure would help protect the environment and the interests of host communities.

Another resident, Tanko Abu, raised security concerns over the presence of miners allegedly coming from other states.

“We are very much aware that one of the major causes of insecurity in the northern parts of this country, especially in Zamfara State, is mining. Most of the miners here are from that state, which means our security cannot be guaranteed following their presence here under the pretext of mining,” Abu alleged.

He commended the Mobile Court and the Taraba State Government for taking what he described as decisive action against the activities.

“Our people are very happy with the recent development by the Mobile Court. We appreciate the Mobile Court and the state government for taking the bull by the horns,” he said.

Similarly, Hajiya Aisha Jamartu applauded the court for enforcing environmental laws and taking action against activities allegedly contributing to environmental degradation.

“What the Mobile Court did has long been overdue. All the same, we are glad that they have woken up from slumber by putting the illegal miners that have become threats to the communities and our environment where they actually belong,” she said.

During its inspection of the mining sites, the court reportedly received briefings from joint security personnel stationed in the area. The security operatives said many of the miners operating at the sites were allegedly from Zamfara, Katsina and Bauchi states, as well as the Republic of Cameroon.

Following the inspection, the court ordered the immediate sealing of the affected sites and handed them over to security agencies for strict enforcement and compliance.

Residents also alleged that local youths were being exploited, with some reportedly receiving only minimal payments despite the significant commercial value of the gold extracted from the area.

According to the residents, youths in the community had recently protested against what they described as the exploitation of their God-given mineral resources.

They further alleged that the proliferation of illegal mining had contributed to rising criminality and drug abuse in the area, raising concerns about the wider social consequences of unregulated mining.

The Mobile Court urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with government agencies and security personnel as the state intensifies efforts to protect the environment and natural resources.

The court warned that Executive Order No. 5 of 2023 remains in force, stressing that anyone found engaging in illegal mining activities would face prosecution and appropriate punishment upon conviction.

The latest enforcement action has therefore rekindled debate over the need to balance the economic potential of solid minerals with environmental protection, community participation and public safety.

For the people of Mayokam, however, the sealing of Gidan Boss and Gidan Star represents more than a legal enforcement exercise. Residents see it as an opportunity to reclaim degraded land, protect their communities and demand greater accountability from those exploiting the mineral resources beneath their soil.

The Taraba State Government has reiterated its determination to protect the state’s natural resources, preserve the environment and safeguard communities affected by mining activities, while the Mobile Court reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the state’s environmental protection laws.