A growing mining boom in Uke, a community along the Keffi Expressway in Nasarawa State, is raising concerns among residents over insecurity, environmental degradation, and social challenges.
While Uke is widely known as a stopover point for travellers seeking fresh fish and palm wine, investigations reveal that the area has become a major mining hub attracting local and foreign operators. Residents allege that mining activities are destroying farmlands, encouraging illegal practices, and exposing young girls to exploitation.
Community members say the influx of miners has altered the social fabric of the area, with some school-age girls reportedly abandoning their families to live near mining camps. Others fear that the growing activities could attract criminal elements and create security challenges similar to those experienced in other mining communities.
Lawmakers and civil society groups have also raised concerns about the treatment of host communities by mining companies. Authorities say enforcement efforts have intensified, with illegal mining sites being identified and shut down across the state. Stakeholders are now calling for stronger collaboration among security agencies, regulators, community leaders, and traditional institutions to address the challenges.
