The Nasarawa State Government has warned mining companies in the state to stop ignoring their responsibilities to local communities. If they don’t follow safety and environmental rules, they may be shut down.

The warning was given by the Environment and Natural Resources Commissioner, Princess Margaret Itake Elayo. She said this while visiting mining sites near the Uke River in Karu Local Government Area. Her team was there to check the water quality because people are worried about mercury pollution.

Elayo said she was worried about reports that some miners are using mercury, a dangerous chemical. People claim that waste from mining is being dumped directly into the Uke River.

The Uke River is very important to the people and animals living nearby. If the river is being polluted, it could harm many lives.

“This river is vital for both people and animals. If companies are really polluting it, that’s a serious problem,” Elayo said. She added that the government must protect lives and the environment. She stressed that making money should never come before public health.

Her team collected water samples to test in a lab and called on mining stakeholders to come forward and respond to the claims. She said the state is serious about protecting the environment and public health. Any company that breaks the law could be shut down.

Besides pollution, Elayo also criticized mining companies for doing little to support the communities where they work.

She said companies should help by building things like schools and health centers and by giving scholarships to students.

“It’s not right for companies to take from these communities without giving anything back,” she said. She warned that if mining firms don’t meet their responsibilities, their licenses could be cancelled or suspended.

The commissioner also visited Saka, another community in Karu, where erosion is becoming a major problem.

The government promised to look into the erosion issue and take action to stop further damage.