By Staff Reporter
The Nasarawa State Government has arrested three Chinese nationals employed by Lidel Mining Company for allegedly defying a government directive ordering mining operators to keep off sites pending environmental compliance.
The arrests took place on Thursday during an environmental impact assessment visit to the Endo mining site led by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Princess Dr. Margaret Elayo, alongside a delegation of key government officials.
The inspection followed growing concerns over environmental degradation linked to mining activities across the state, despite Nasarawa’s vast mineral wealth. Many host communities, authorities say, have been left with ravaged farmlands, dangerous pits and little economic benefit.
Acting on the directive of Governor Engineer Abdullahi Sule, the inspection team—which included Hon. Muhammad Ottos of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce and Barrister Ibrahim A. Abdullahi, Managing Director of the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA)—assessed Lidel Mining Company’s operations. Officials disclosed that the company has failed to meet required environmental and operational standards since it commenced operations.
Findings from the site inspection revealed disturbing conditions, including unfilled excavation pits and failure to reclaim mined land, raising fears of erosion, flooding and other environmental disasters.
Expressing deep concern, Dr. Elayo ordered an immediate suspension of all mining activities at the site until full compliance with environmental regulations is achieved.
Tensions reportedly escalated following the directive, as some workers at the site resisted the enforcement process. The situation degenerated into violence, leading to damage to the Commissioner’s official vehicle and an attack on her security detail.
With the intervention of joint security operatives, order was restored and the three Chinese nationals were arrested.
The state government further revealed that Lidel Mining Company had earlier been given a six-month ultimatum to address environmental and regulatory violations—an ultimatum that was allegedly ignored.
Dr. Elayo also raised concerns over the welfare of local labourers, noting that many indigenous workers operate under unsafe conditions with poor compensation and minimal protection.
She stressed that without strict enforcement of environmental laws and meaningful inclusion of host communities in mining operations, the negative impact on livelihoods and the ecosystem would continue. Follow Krestnews.com