Kebbi Governor Moves to Sanitize Mining, Vows Youth Engagement

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By: Imran Musa

Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris has pledged to sanitize mining activities across the state, stressing that youths must be actively and meaningfully engaged in artisanal mining.

The governor made the vow on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Zayyanu Abdullahi, following recent disturbances at the Marrarabar Yauri mining site in Ngaski Local Government Area.

The crisis, which erupted under the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI), led to the death of one person and the destruction of both public and private property.

Governor Idris said the state government had swiftly intervened to restore peace and would not allow its citizens to be treated like strangers in their own land.

“We will not tolerate impunity by anybody, especially foreigners. Mining activities are being infiltrated by people from Mali, Niger, Tanzania, and other African countries, who exploit our God-given resources while intimidating host communities,” he declared.

The governor announced the immediate suspension of all activities at the Marrarabar Yauri site, saying operations would only resume after miners had been duly registered and profiled. He added that similar exercises would be conducted at all mining sites in Kebbi State.

“This is to ensure accountability and proper engagement of our youths and communities in mining activities,” Idris said.

During the visit, the governor also extolled the Emir’s role in his political journey, describing him as a father figure and veteran educator whose prayers and support have contributed to the administration’s success.

In his response, Emir Abdullahi commended the governor’s timely intervention, noting that the suspension of mining would help restore peace and order. He lamented that many artisanal miners in the area were unlicensed, armed, and often backed by security operatives and politicians.

“They have become lawless, and their impunity must be checked,” the Emir emphasized.

The visit also witnessed the conferment of the traditional title of Ardon Yauri on Hon. Bello Abubakar Kaoje, the member representing Suru/Bagudo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Yauri, Kebbi State.

Published on

September 26, 2025, 21:42 +00:00

AUTHOR

Saratu Ashafa