News
Zamfara Lifts Mining Ban And Opens Door to Economic Growth and Investment
Alake Dele has made a significant announcement on his X handle, sharing the exciting news that the ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State has finally been lifted after over five years of restrictions.
This decision marks a turning point for the state, which is rich in valuable mineral resources like gold, lithium, and copper.
The lifting of the ban comes after notable security improvements, allowing the government to focus on the potential economic benefits that mining can bring to the region and the country at large.
The ban, which was imposed several years ago, was originally put in place to tackle growing security concerns linked to illegal mining activities and the rise of banditry in the region.
These illegal operations were not only harming the environment but also fueling criminal activity.
However, despite the ban’s intentions, it inadvertently allowed illegal miners to continue exploiting the state’s vast mineral resources.
With security improving, the government has now decided it is the right time to lift the ban and regulate mining activities properly.
Alake Dele emphasized that this decision will enable the mining sector in Zamfara to contribute more significantly to the national economy.
“The state’s vast mineral wealth, particularly gold, lithium, and copper, can now be properly explored and mined, creating opportunities for both the state and the country,” he stated.
The goal is to ensure that mining activities are carried out legally, with better oversight and regulation to combat illegal mining and associated crimes more effectively.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reportedly declared a strike at Taraba State University over outstanding salary-related demands and delays in payments.
The strike is scheduled to begin today, October 12, 2026. According to the union’s chairman, the union had been engaging the Taraba State Government over its outstanding demands since February 2026.
“The union had exercised considerable patience and demonstrated its commitment to dialogue since February 2026, when it began engaging the Taraba State Government over the outstanding issues,” Mbave said.
“The union had earlier suspended its planned industrial action following an appeal by the government for additional time through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, in the interest of maintaining industrial harmony,” the chairman added.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Torseer Yina, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the ancient town.
The curfew takes effect from Thursday, October 8, 2026, following unrest and violent protests in the area.
According to reports, the action was taken to contain the unrest and violent protests by members of BEMOA following the death of one of its members by unknown gunmen.
The protest, which was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, turned violent after an angry mob burnt two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
The Gboko council chairman said the curfew takes effect immediately and warned that anyone caught flouting the order or breaching public peace would be decisively dealt with.
Nine people have died in a fatal road crash along the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash occurred on Monday at about 4:55pm around the Bethel area along the Ijebu-Ode/Ore axis of the expressway. It involved a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus belonging to Delta Line and a white Sino truck operated by Bill Gas Solution Ltd.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), all nine people involved in the crash, comprising three males and six females, died in the incident.
The FRSC said the crash occurred while it was raining and the road was wet, with preliminary investigations identifying speed violation as the probable cause.
The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the report, while the bodies of the victims were taken to the General Hospital Morgue in Ijebu-Ode.
The Ogun State Sector Commander, Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to obey speed limits and exercise extra caution when driving in the rain.
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