Kwara: 80 illegal miners arrested in 10 months – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, disclosed that over 80 illegal miners were arrested in the last 10 months in Kwara State.

 The EFCC Zonal Commander in the state, Michael Nzekwe, disclosed this while hosting the state’s Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Abdulqawiy Olododo, in his office in Ilọrin.

 He said, “We were able to discover the illegal mining sites across the state through intelligence. And since then, no fewer than 80 suspected illegal miners with truckloads of assorted minerals within the last 10 months have been arrested.”

 Nzekwe noted that Kwara was enormously endowed with mineral deposits, adding that, “The resources available in the 16 LGAs are enough to turn it into a mini London if properly harnessed.

Responding, Mr Olodo said the state government was determined to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining and use the resources to develop the state.

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He further said, “The governor is determined to complement your efforts and focus on how to properly organise and harness the potential in the mining sector to attract local and foreign investors.”