Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Residents of Dangbala community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have raised the alarm over the influx of illegal miners in their neighbourhood. Four suspected illegal miners were arrested and detained by local vigilantes, who handed them to the police for prosecution. The presence of illegal miners in the community is capable of jeopardising the security situation and contributing to local conflicts. Allegations of some community elders' involvement in the illegal mining activities are also under threat. Collins Nicholas, a spokesman of the Akoko-Edo community, demanded for the prosecution of those arrested in connection with illegal mining. He said those behind the illegal mining had also resorted to frivolous petition writing against those opposed to their criminal activities to mislead the public. Haruna Yusuf confirmed the arrest of four miners, noting that the matter was being handled by the police command in Benin. Nicholas called on all well-meaning Akoko-Edo people to speak out against this invasion and the wanton stealing of God given resources.