The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has vowed to ensure a thorough investigation of alleged illegal mining activities in Benue State, asserting that those found culpable will face the full wrath of the law.

The minister gave the warning on Friday after listening to submissions from representatives of the affected mining operators and relevant mines inspectorate officials from the state.

It will be recalled that some weeks ago, a video of 15 trucks laden with minerals alleged to be uranium and extracted from Kwande Local Government, Benue State, went viral.

Following that incident, the minister ordered discreet investigations by the Mines Inspectorate, which indicated that the video was the result of inter-firm rivalry over control of mining areas.

This prompted the minister to summon relevant stakeholders from the state to get the true picture of the situation.

After listening to all submissions, the minister noted discrepancies in the account presented by representatives of the communities, the operators and mines Inspectorate officials, vowing to ensure painstaking investigations and bring to book those that might have run foul of the law.

“I have listened to all submissions and noted discrepancies in presentations by operators and stakeholders.  We will thoroughly investigate all issues related to the incident, and any operator found culpable will have their licences revoked.

“If some of our officials also connived to perpetrate sharp practices, they will also be made to face the full weight of the law,” Alake added.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, also stated that officials of the ministry caught being involved in such sharp practices would face the full weight of the law.

Meanwhile, the minister has backed plans by the Oyo State Government to obtain mining licences to promote growth in the state.

Alake gave the assurance when he received the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The minister reiterated his support for sub-national entities in the country to develop the sector and emphasised that cooperation with states will develop the mining industry value chain and promote value addition for maximum beneficiation to host communities.

In his remarks, Makinde revealed that his visit was necessitated by the need to follow up on the application of the state for a mining licence, stating that Oyo State is on the verge of establishing a state-owned mining corporation.

“I came to give the minister the official report of mining activities in Oyo State and brief him on efforts to curb illegal mining. Last week, we had to demolish an unlawful lithium processing facility.

“I seized the opportunity to inform him about what transpired and to seek his support and collaboration for the mining sector in my state because it is a catalyst for development,” Makinde added.

The governor revealed that the state is poised to invest in the value chain of lithium, gemstones, gold, and marble and has applied for mining licences to execute them. According to him, the state’s mining company has secured partnerships with investors.

“Quite several investors are coming into the state, and we are supporting them, creating an enabling environment to not only facilitate extraction of minerals but also value addition through processing of raw materials,” he added