Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has ordered the immediate suspension of all activities at the Mararrabar Birnin Yauri gold mining site in Ngaski Local Government Area following a violent clash that left one person dead.

The governor, who made an unscheduled visit to the troubled site on Thursday, explained that the move was necessary to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed.

Idris directed security agencies to take full control of the area until a lasting resolution is reached between the host communities and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI).

Expressing dismay, the governor lamented that Kebbi indigenes were being sidelined in mining activities despite being the landowners. He also raised concerns about the influx of foreigners from Mali, Tanzania, Chad, and Niger into the state through illegal mining operations.

To sanitise the sector, Idris instructed the state Ministry of Mining to compile a register of all licensed miners and companies operating in Kebbi, stressing the need for orderliness and transparency.

As part of a peace gesture, the governor also approved the release of 50 youths earlier remanded over mining-related violence, urging them to embrace peace and dialogue.

“Mining must bring prosperity, not conflict, to our people,” Idris declared.

Naija Blog recalls that earlier this week, the Yauri Local Government Area imposed a 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew after a bloody clash between rival mining youths in Garin Katta community.

Eyewitnesses told Channels Television that the violence started after a miner allegedly killed an individual during a dispute. The victim’s relatives reportedly staged a retaliatory attack, which provoked further violence, leading to shops being vandalised and motorcycles set ablaze.

Chairman of Yauri LGA, Abubakar Shuaibu, confirmed that he had notified the Police Area Commander and the DSS before the crisis spiralled out of control.