An extensive investigation by this newspaper has uncovered the alarming scale of illegal mining operations across several local government areas in Benue State. From Kwande to Oju, unlicensed miners are extracting minerals including tin, columbite, and barite with little regard for environmental regulations or the welfare of host communities. Our reporters visited mining sites in five LGAs over a period of three months, documenting the operations and speaking with affected residents.

The investigation reveals that many of these illegal mining operations are backed by powerful individuals, some with connections to political figures. In several communities, farmlands have been destroyed by mining activities, water sources have been contaminated, and roads have been damaged by heavy trucks transporting minerals. Despite repeated complaints from community leaders, regulatory agencies have been slow to act.

Environmental experts warn that the unregulated mining activities are causing long-term damage to the ecosystem, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. They are calling on the state and federal governments to take urgent action to regulate mining activities and ensure that host communities benefit from the extraction of their natural resources.