Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has raised fresh concerns about illegal mining activities in Zamfara State, claiming that powerful individuals are secretly benefiting from the state’s mineral resources.
In a recent video from 8:18, Sowore made the statement while discussing insecurity, poverty, and resource control in Nigeria.
According to him, the crisis in Zamfara goes far beyond banditry or communal clashes. Sowore explained that the root of the problem is the struggle over gold deposits, which he believes has been hijacked by influential figures within and outside government.
He stressed that illegal mining has become so organised and protected that even aircraft allegedly fly into remote areas of the state to lift large quantities of gold without detection.
In his words, “Every week I can tell you this: that planes fly into Zamfara to pick up gold and fly out of this country.” This statement has sparked renewed public debate on how Nigeria manages its mineral wealth and why insecurity seems concentrated around resource-rich areas.
Sowore argued that the government is not only aware of the illegal mining networks but is also enabling them through corruption and weak oversight.
He pointed out that some of those secretly involved fund militant groups to protect mining sites from public view and from government agencies that are not part of the illegal operation.
He added that because the illegal miners want total control of the gold fields, weapons are supplied to armed groups who chase away communities and government officials.
When the mines stop functioning, the armed groups turn to kidnappings and other criminal activities for survival.
Sowore also questioned how aircraft can enter Nigeria’s airspace regularly without being detected. He linked this failure to corruption, saying such flights cannot happen unless top officials look the other way.
The activist insisted that Nigeria must adopt technology, strict regulation, and transparent licensing to stop illegal mining.
He maintained that until the government stops protecting powerful interests, Zamfara will continue to face insecurity and economic exploitation.
This latest revelation has further raised calls for a thorough investigation into the state’s mining activities and the people behind them. View, More,
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