Edo State Government has given seven days ultimatum to illegal gold miners at Egbetual autonomous community in Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.
The Edo State Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Enaholo Ojiefoh who gave the ultimatum when he met with chiefs and elders of the community, told them to vacate the area or face the full wrath of the law.
While noting that the state government has zero tolerance for crime and illegalities, Ojiefoh stated that the report of the visit would be forwarded to the Minister of Solid Mineral Development and the state governor, Godwin Obaseki.
He observed that the state government was interested in the growth and development of the locality, stating that the state government would review all the mining licenses before opening up gold mining activities in the area.
Ojiefoh, however, assured that the state government would be working with all legal mining companies in the state by bringing in investors for the development and growth of the area.
He threatened to withdraw the licenses of anyone mining in the state without consent from the community.
In an interview, the Head-Chief of Egbetua Community, Chief Peter Momoh, commended the state government for the intervention.
He expressed the hope that the intervention would in no small way help to address the menace and activities of illegal gold mining in the area.
Momoh, however, promised to direct the community town crier to take the warnings of the Edo State government to the residents of the community before the expiration of the seven days ultimatum.
