The federal government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development,  Dele Alake, gave the order in a statement by his media aide, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday.

Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.

The outbreak was traced to artisanal gold mining activities, which led to environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, particularly children.

Mr Alake said all mining activities were still on hold until Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were released to guide the resumption of exploration in the state.

He expressed concern that the six-year mining ban in the state reversed in December 2024 should have prevented any cases of lead poisoning.

“The outbreak is evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the ban.

“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities.

“Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives.

“However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” he said.

According to him, experts and ministry reports will recommend specific interventions to help the government prevent future calamities.

The minister, however, commended the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area and called for stronger collaboration between the state and the Ministry officials.

“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he said.

According to him, the ministry will soon release a comprehensive SOP to guide the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara.

He explained that the procedures would address cases of existing holders of mining licences and fresh applicants alongside compliance with community development agreements.

Mr Alake noted that the recent approval of the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide will end illegal mining and other sharp practices in the sector.

In 2017, an epidemic of lead poisoning resulted in the deaths of more than 300 under-five children in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA of the state.

(NAN)