Taraba’s Mining Regulation Efforts Face Hurdles Amid Allegations of Exclusion and Misconduct

Residents of Mayo-Kam in Taraba State accuse security personnel at the Gildan Star and Gildan Boss mining sites of allowing miners from other parts of Nigeria to work while blocking local people from accessing mineral resources. Community elder Abubakar Tanko and traditional ruler Sarki Baka Shaibu Haruna Mayo-Kam have called for an investigation, while Governor’s special adviser Idris Danladi alleges that some security personnel demanded money to grant access, particularly at night. The allegations follow reports that a mining site collapsed, killing at least 20 miners, though the location, circumstances and casualty figure have not been independently confirmed. A member of the Taraba State House of Assembly accused by residents of helping marginalise the community has denied the allegations.