Authorities of a mining outfit, Zinariya kyauta Allah Ventures , Uke in Karu LGA, near Nigeria Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have refuted media reports that the mining site has been overtaken by criminal elements.
The mining company says the reports are not true and that it is the imagination of the writers, adding that they have been working in collaboration with security agencies to tackle arising crime in the area.
Krestnews.com recalls that the Gold Mine located in Karshi Development Area of Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, was discovered Ten(10) years ago and has attracted investors including those engaged in excavating and processing the mineral resources.
Chairman Hunters Association Uke ,who also doubles as the Chairman of miners Association in Uke, Mohammed Ahmed Dogara while denying the report explained that activities at the gold mining site is fast growing and receiving investors interest and that security at the site has remained tight.
” I believe I have a lot to say since this gold Mine was established here in Uke,date back to time when there were just 2 to 3 machines being used .Today at the site and with growing interest of those in the business,we have had additional machines that are over 400.
“Realizing the progress and population influx to the site,we sought the counsel of the traditional ruler of the community who is the Yakanaje of Uke,a chief with second class staff of office chief ,who guided us appropriately on maintaining sanity and prevention of crime at the site.
” We did not stop at meeting with the paramount ruler but met with the Divisional Police Officer and extended our visit to the commissioner of Police in the state,” He added.
He further made clarifications on how different measures were put in place to ensure smooth operation at the site ,saying since the gold attracted investors from across the state, lands where the gold was found, owners of the lands were contacted and settled, the local securities were also allotted monetary benefit.
Mohammed also asserted that the miners are not operating illegally but with the knowledge of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Resources as well as the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment and Natural resources.
“So the activities that are currently going on at the Uke Gold Mining site are legitimate, and we don’t tolerate criminals .Once you are dictated to be carrying out unrelated business, you will be fished out and handed over to the conventional security for necessary action,” he said.
Comrade Bashir Musa ,who is the secretary of ZInariya Kyauta Allah Ventures, spoke extensively on how beneficial the mining site has on the citizens of Uke.
According to him , the company is aware of its responsibility as such there are critical needs which since establishment has been met aside employment opportunities which no fewer than 1000 youths and women have enjoyed.
“As I speak , we have taken it upon ourselves as part of our Cooperate Social Responsibility CSR to drill boreholes in places in dear need of portable drinking water, we are planning that before this year comes to an end, we shall also construct a primary health care centre, stock it with medicals and also consider renovations of some public facilities in Uke” Bashir revealed.
He emphasize that security being the business of all is one aspect that the company priorities owing to the nature of the business they do, stating that there is no venture without challenge however on record at the mining site it has been minimal.
” We are in charge and have put in place safety measures for both protection of life and property,our internal security at both sites is over 50 persons who are proactive which did not exclude the police whom we contact to check on our activities”, he said.