To entrench public peace in Lamurde Local Council Area of Adamawa State, Governor Umaru Fintiri has banned all forms of mining in the area.

In another development, some unidentified gunmen yesterday attacked a mining site in Nyango, Gyel District of Jos South Local Council Area of Plateau State, killing three and injuring two others.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 11:50 a.m. when the assailants invaded the mining site and opened fire on workers.

Reacting to the incident, the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, expressed concern at the recurring insecurity in Gyel and surrounding communities.

Announcing the ban yesterday in Yola during the presentation of the reconciliation report by the committee for mediation between the Chobo and Bachama communities, the governor said outsiders are benefiting from the crisis.

“We know that the illegal miners are part of those supporting this crisis, so that they can go about their business unchallenged. I’m banning all the illegal mining in Lamurde local government.”

He described the war as disturbing to the economy of the state and the country, as agricultural activities within Lamurde, which is a bedrock of rice production, have been destabilised

I must say that in the last year, this has been a disturbing moment for this government, and we’ve done everything possible within our reach to see that the two brothers who are involved in the crisis have been settled quickly,” Fintiri stated.

However, the governor assured that the state government will handle the crises within the available time and ensure immediate action to restore peace, adding that all identified perpetrators will be prosecuted within the context of the law.

Earlier, the chairman of the peace committee, Dr Robert Tankawa, disclosed that extensive consultation revealed that land ownership, resource control, and the absence of inclusive traditional recognition are the core drivers of the crisis.

He added that social media incitement and prolongation of firearms by no specific individuals were also found to instigate the conflict, stating, however, that “hostilities have ceased across global flashpoints and a memorandum of understanding has been signed.”

Lamenting the recurrence of such attacks, the BYM said residents of Gyel and neighbouring communities in Bassa Local Council Area had repeatedly raised concerns over the attacks and insecurity being perpetrated by armed elements operating around the Gyero and Rafin Buna axis.

It urged security agencies and government authorities to urgently dismantle criminal hideouts, take decisive action to end the cycle of violence, and restore lasting peace and security across affected communities.