The Northern States Governors’ Forum has asked President Bola Tinubu to suspend all mining activities in the North for six months.
They said illegal mining is a major cause of insecurity in the region.
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After a joint meeting with Northern traditional rulers in Kaduna, the Forum’s chairman, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, said the suspension will allow the government to audit all mining sites and revalidate licences.
The governors also announced a new regional Security Trust Fund.
Each state and local government will contribute ₦1 billion monthly to support security operations.
They praised President Tinubu for efforts to rescue abducted victims and thanked security agencies for their sacrifices.
The governors also renewed their support for creating state police to improve security.
The Forum extended condolences to several states affected by killings, kidnappings, and insurgent attacks, including Kebbi, Niger, Kano, Borno, and Yobe.