Kano communities threaten violence over sand mining

There is palpable tension in Kura and Madobi local government areas of Kano, following threats of violence by the communities over sand mining in their domains.

The communities, in a petition to the Emir of Kano, the state government and security agencies, said the activities of the miners have sacked over 50,000 of their farmers who rely in irrigation.

In addition, they said their children have become addicted to drugs because of the activities of sand miners.

Members of the communities said sand mining resulted in the death of nine youth.

Sani Udu, who signed the petition, hinted that all entreaties to make the miners stop have failed.

He said he had even taken the case to the District head of Madobi, Musa Sale, who queried the communities for writing to the Emir.

Mr. Udu said members of the communities have been making persistent efforts to make their case known but were always ignored.

Mr. Udu said sand mining had caused the wells to dry up.

Similarly, members of the Madobi and Kura communities said the only bridge that links them with other local government had since collapsed following pressure of sand digging beneath it.

The communities warned they will no longer tolerate the situation as they were ready to take the laws into their hands.