Illicit mining in Agoi, Yakurr LGA: A recipe for chaos

By Okoi Obono-Obla

The recent arrest of scores of illegal gold miners in Agoi Ekpo, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, after fierce resistance, highlights the growing concerns surrounding illicit mining in the region.

This trend, which has seen thousands of illegal miners from the Sahelian region of West Africa flock to Agoi, resembles the 19th-century gold rush in South Africa.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) experience starkly reminds us of the dangers of mismanaging mineral resources. The ongoing conflict between the government and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels is deeply rooted in illegal mining activities in Eastern DRC.

Rwanda’s government is accused of backing the insurgency to exploit the DRC’s mineral wealth, perpetuating a cycle of violence, corruption, and instability.

Similarly, in Agoi, unregulated mining activities have led to tensions, environmental desolation, and concerns about the nexus between money laundering, corruption, human trafficking, and arms smuggling.

Addressing the root causes of conflict, including the mismanagement of mineral resources, corruption, and regional tensions, is essential to breaking this cycle of violence and instability.

The people of Yakurr Local Government Area, known for their farming traditions and rich cultural heritage, are caught amid this chaos.

The influx of illegal miners has put a strain on local resources, threatening the very fabric of their communities.

To mitigate this crisis, the government must take decisive action to:

1.       Regulate mining activities: Ensure that mining is carried out responsibly and sustainably, with adequate safeguards for the environment and local communities.

2.       Address corruption and regional tensions: To prevent further instability, tackle the root causes of the conflict, including corruption, money laundering, and regional tensions.

3.       Support local communities: Provide adequate support and resources to local communities, ensuring that they benefit from their region’s mineral wealth.

Only by addressing these underlying issues can we hope to break the cycle of violence and instability in Agoi, Yakurr LGA, and ensure a brighter future for the people of Cross River State.

*Okoi Obono-Obla is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State and a former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Property (SPIP) during ex-president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration