News
NEITI Calls for Creation of Special Squadron for Mining Sites
NEITI Calls for Creation of Special Squadron for Mining Sites
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr Ogbonnaya Orji has called for the creation of special squadron to ward off threat and insecurity at various mining sites in Nigeria and elsewhere in West Africa.
In his keynote address at the gathering of stakeholders from different mining communities in West Africa to deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that are confronting mining activities in the region organized by the international Non-governmental Organisation (INGO), Global Rights and Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA), Orji said there is need for the creation of a special squadron for the mining sector to fight insecurity and other issues affecting the mining district.
Orji while noting that Africa is blessed with abundant mineral resources, ranging from gold and diamonds to oil and gas, added that “these resources hold the promise of transformation, the potential to elevate the lives of our people, and to power the development of our nations”.
He however expressed concern that the communities where these resources are gotten from are often left vulnerable and continue to face several security challenges.
He said: “The challenges faced by these mining host communities need urgent resolutions. There is a need for collaboration with security agencies and mining host communities to help curb insecurity in the mining sector.
“It is also the responsibility of the government to ensure that the wealth derived from our minerals is utilised for the common good, and are equitably shared among our people, the environment is protected for generation to come and that the human rights of the people are well protected. “
Also speaking, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, who hailed the enthusiasm of the stakeholders for embracing the ideas and proposing many pathways to achieving the roadmap, said Nigeria government shall continue to ensure good business and security for mining host communities by ensuring policy consistency and adequate security.
While commending Global Rights for continuous work in protecting and advocating for marginalized communities, the Minister charged the stakeholders to be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and shared responsibility.
The international Non-governmental Organisation (INGO), Global Rights and Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) who organized the gathering expressed worry over the growing challenges facing mining host communities in West Africa, insisting that the troubled communities need to come together, deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that they are confronted with.
Global Rights in conjunction with Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) have gathered the stakeholders in Abuja for the 2023 West African Mining Host Communities’, called INDABA.
The West African Mining Host Communities INDABA is a Natural Resource Governance Summit that provides a critical platform for Mining Host Communities in West Africa to engage and have critical conversations on strengthening safeguards for the sustainability of mining host communities in the subregion.
Speaking at the conference, the Executive Director of Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu, said the conference is aimed at bringing together the host communities to deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that they are confronted with as West Africans.
“It’s a platform for an open and inclusive dialogue where ideas, experiences and solutions are shared collectively.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the wealth of West Africa’s minerals benefits the many, rather than the few and that becomes a catalyst for peace, development, and progress” She said.
A communique issued at the end of the conference stated that sustainable West African Regional Policy Initiatives must reflect the United Nations Guiding
Principles of protect, respect and access to remedies.
It also highlighted that the sub-region must expedite processes to adapt National Action Plans on Business
and Human Rights.
The conference pointed out that policies on water management, and sustainable resource management should be coherent
with climate-smart mining as an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practice in the mining industry in Africa.
NEITI Calls for Creation of Special Squadron for Mining Sites
One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued one kidnapped victim and neutralised a suspected armed bandit following an attack on Dankabali Village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on April 30 when about 20 armed bandits on 10 motorcycles invaded the community in Kagara District and abducted four residents.
The sources disclosed that the abducted persons were identified as Ladan Mani Sarkin Diya, Halima Mani, Rabiatu Muhammad, and Karima Muhammad.
According to the sources, the troops under Operation Fansar Yamma and the police joint tactical team was mobilised immediately after receiving the distress call and commenced search-and-rescue operations.
They added that during a combing operation in a nearby forest, the joint forces made contact with the bandits, leading to an exchange of fire in which one bandit was neutralised.
The sources further said one of the abducted victims, Ladan Mani Sarkin Diya, was successfully rescued unharmed, taken to the General Hospital in Talata Mafara for medical examination, and later reunited with his family.
They noted that ongoing operations are aimed at rescuing the remaining three victims and apprehending the fleeing suspects.
Security presence has since been reinforced in the Dankabali axis, while surveillance and patrols have been intensified to prevent further attacks.
One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara
Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have foiled an attempted attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits and recovered 27 rustled animals in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 1 when a large number of armed bandits invaded Gumki and Zeringo-Gande villages, firing sporadically and rustling domestic animals.
The sources disclosed that upon receiving the distress the troops swiftly mobilised and blocked routes leading to the bandits’ camp in Zamori forest.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers in a gun duel, overpowering them and forcing their retreat toward the Niger Republic border.
They added that all 27 rustled animals were successfully recovered and would be returned to their rightful owners.
The sources further confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded among security personnel during the operation.
Security presence has since been reinforced in the area, with continuous patrols to prevent further incursions.
Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto
Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community
By Zagazola Makama
A 14-year-old boy, Musa Umar, has died following a violent altercation with a neighbour in Jama’are village via Fika in Yobe State.
Security sources said the incident occurred on April 30 at about 10:00 p.m. when Musa engaged in a fight with another minor, Adamu Yusuf, 12, during which he was struck on the head with a stick.
The sources disclosed that the injured boy was initially rushed to Gadaka General Hospital for treatment before being referred to Fika General Hospital due to the severity of his condition.
According to the sources, Musa died on the way to the referral hospital and was later certified dead by a medical doctor.
They added that the body was documented and released to the family for burial following necessary procedures.
The sources further said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect, while investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community
One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara
One Killed, Two Injured in Communal Clash in Niger
Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto
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