…Accuses Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps of providing cover for illegal gold miners in the community
By Okhide Em’ya David
Members of Dangbala community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo have cried out over alleged threats to their lives by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who provide security for illegal gold miners in the locality.
A Chief of Spokesman of Dangbala community, Mr. Collins Nicholas, on Thursday made the accusation while lamenting over their ordeal at the hands of the alleged illegal Miners in Benin.
Nicholas alleged that NSCDC officers of the security outfit provides cover for the illegal miners that have just made a return to the mining site after the Edo Government had placed embargo on the site earlier in the year.
He said the miners who work both in the day and night, are able to carry out their illegal activities because they have the full protection of the NSCDC.
It would be recalled that residents of the community had on Tuesday raised an alarm over return of illegal gold miners.
The residents under aegis of Concern Residents of Dangbala raised the alarm in a statement signed by Godwin Amusa and Agbaje Saiki, Convener and Secretary.
The residents noted that it has become imperative to alert the Public on the issue to avoid the Zamfara State situation.
They said that not only have the increased competition created tension in the community, but that their activities have become an issue of security threat in the area.
Similarly, Nicholas appealed to the concern authority to check activities of these illegal miners before it snowball into what Zamfara State is presently experiencing.
He said angered by the action of the NSCDC some youths who attempted to stop the illegal miners from carrying out their illegal activities against the state government order were mercilessly beaten and injured.
“On the 13th of August, the same illegal miners arrested by Civil defense were released.
“At a meeting held in the community, we were shocked to see them jubilating that Civil Defense has declared Dangbala bush open and as I speak all kind of people are working there freely without the approval of Edo state government.
” When the kindred that owns the place went to find out what was happening they were attacked and the matter is pending at Igarra Area Command. We have written several petitions on this.
Meanwhile, the State Command of the NSCDC have denied the allegation and noted that the mining site was still not opened for any activities since its closure by the state government.
Spokesman of the command, Mr. Efosa Ugbebor, said that the place was still being guided by its officers since its closure.
“It is not true that our officers are providing cover for illegal miners in Dangbala. In fact, there is no mining activity in that area as we speak.
“Few days ago, precisely on Tuesday, the Command sent anti-vandal and solid mineral team of the NSCDC to the area but they found nothing happening there.
“To clear any doubt, we have asked the community people to immediately report to our office should they see anything of such. Perhaps, they can provide any evidence of they have any for us to act on,” he stated.
