Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has directed law enforcement agents to shoot on sight anyone caught carrying out illegal mining activities in the state.
The governor’s spokesman, Sulaiman Bala Idris, un a statement on Saturday, said over the years, illegal mining in Zamfara has fuelled banditry and other criminal activities.
The spokesperson quoted the governor as saying it was time to end the activity and implement measures to protect the safety and wellbeing of the people.
The governor said security operatives had therefore been given strict orders to take bold action and shoot on sight anyone found engaging in illegal mining.
The statement read, “The directive is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the good people of Zamfara and deter potential wrongdoers from committing such acts.
“It is also a swift action to enable the state government to be in total control of state resources and block activities that endanger the lives and properties of the people.
“Illegal mining is undeniably one of the driving forces behind the rampant banditry plaguing Zamfara State.
“We must take swift, decisive action to curb this menace and restore peace and security to our communities.”