By
Babangida Galleon
The Adamawa State Government has banned all illegal mining activities in Lamurde Local Government Area, and has assured residents of Chobo and Bachama communities of decisive steps to restore lasting peace in the area.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri announced the ban at the Government House, Yola, while receiving the preliminary report of the Mediation Committee inaugurated two weeks ago.
The Governor said the crisis has gone beyond the two communities, noting that sponsors and beneficiaries are operating from outside Lamurde.
Governor Fintiri stated that illegal miners in the area are among those fuelling the conflict to protect their selfish business interests, adding that government is ready to deal decisively with perpetrators and prosecute sponsors of the crisis in accordance with the laws of the state.
The Governor said his administration will carefully study the report and implement its recommendations.
He reiterated government’s commitment to deploy time and resources to end the crisis, which has claimed lives, destroyed property, and disrupted the livelihoods of the people.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Mediation Committee and Paramount Ruler of Jonnjo Chiefdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Robert David Tankawa, said the committee’s findings point to land ownership disputes, control of natural resources, and the absence of inclusive traditional engagement as major causes of the crisis.
He added that social media incitement and the proliferation of firearms have further escalated tensions.
According to the Chairman, the committee recommended the relaxation of the ongoing curfew, immediate disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, clear land delineation, and the regulation of mining, warning that peace in the area will remain fragile without deliberate action, even though hostilities have ceased at all flashpoints following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
The committee also recommended the rehabilitation of victims and greater political inclusion for the Chobo community.
