By Suleiman Abubakar
Officials of ZINARIYA KYAUTAN ALLAH VENTURES, Uke, have dismissed recent allegations that the Uke Gold Mining Site has become a criminal hideout. They emphasized that security at the site remains tight and that they work closely with law enforcement agencies to address any security concerns.
The Uke Gold Mine, located in the Karshi Development Area of Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, was discovered ten years ago. Since then, it has attracted significant investments from individuals and companies engaged in mineral excavation and processing.
Speaking on the issue, Mohammed Ahmed Dogara, Chairman of the Hunters Association Uke and Chairman of Miners in Uke, stated that the mining site continues to grow, drawing increased investor interest while maintaining strong security measures.
> "I have witnessed the development of this mining site since its inception. Initially, there were just two or three machines in use, but today, we have over 400 machines due to the increasing interest in the business."
He explained that due to the rapid expansion and population influx, they sought guidance from the Yakanaje of Uke, a second-class traditional ruler, on maintaining order and preventing crime at the site.
> "We didn't stop at consulting the paramount ruler. We also engaged the Divisional Police Officer and even the Commissioner of Police to ensure security at the mining site."
Dogara further clarified that measures have been put in place to guarantee smooth operations. He stated that landowners of areas where gold deposits were found were duly compensated, while local security personnel were provided financial benefits.
Additionally, he emphasized that mining activities at Uke are fully legal, operating with the approval of the Federal Ministry of Mineral Resources and the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
> "Our operations are legitimate, and we do not harbor criminals. Anyone found engaging in unlawful activities will be identified and handed over to security agencies."
Commitment to Community Development and Security
Comrade Bashir Musa, Secretary of ZINARIYA KYAUTAN ALLAH VENTURES, highlighted the company's contributions to the development of Uke. According to him, the mining activities have created employment opportunities for over 1,000 youths and women in the community.
He further revealed that, as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), they have drilled boreholes in areas lacking potable drinking water. Additionally, plans are in place to construct a Primary Healthcare Center, stock it with essential drugs, and renovate some public facilities before the end of the year.
> "Security remains our priority due to the nature of our business. While challenges exist in every venture, we have ensured that incidents at the mining site remain minimal."
Musa added that the company has a 50-member internal security team, in addition to maintaining strong collaboration with the police to safeguard lives and property.
With these assurances, ZINARIYA KYAUTAN ALLAH VENTURES maintains that Uke Gold Mining Site remains a hub of legal mining activities and economic development, not a haven for criminals.
