Taraba Mobile Court Seals Gold Mining Sites in Bali Over Alleged Illegal Operations
JALINGO — The Taraba State Mobile Court has ordered the sealing of gold mining sites at Gidan Boss and Gidan Star in the Mayokam axis of Bali Local Government Area following allegations of illegal mining and extensive environmental degradation.
The action was taken on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during an inspection of mining locations as the Mobile Court intensified patrols aimed at curbing activities considered harmful to the environment and surrounding communities.
The court operates pursuant to Executive Order No. 5 of 2023 on Environmental Protection, Public Safety and Prohibition of Deforestation in Taraba State, with responsibility for enforcing relevant environmental regulations.
During the inspection of the Mayokam mining sites, officials said they observed what they described as an alarming level of environmental damage allegedly resulting from mining activities in the area.
The Mobile Court subsequently ordered the affected sites sealed and handed them over to security agencies for enforcement and to prevent further mining activities pending appropriate action.
Security personnel stationed around the sites were also reported to have told members of the court that some of those involved in the mining activities came from Zamfara, Katsina and Bauchi states, while others were reportedly from neighbouring Cameroon.
The claims concerning the identities and origins of the miners were not independently verified.
Some residents of Mayokam welcomed the government’s intervention, alleging that host communities had received little benefit from mining activities despite the value of mineral resources extracted from the area.
One resident, who requested anonymity, alleged that local youths were being poorly compensated while miners benefited substantially from gold extracted from the community.
The resident also claimed that youths had recently protested over what they considered exploitation of their natural resources and alleged that unregulated mining activities had contributed to criminality and drug abuse in the area.
The Mobile Court urged residents to cooperate with government and security agencies as enforcement operations continue across mining locations in the state.
Officials warned that Executive Order No. 5 of 2023 remains in force and that individuals found engaging in prohibited mining activities could face prosecution.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the environmental and economic consequences of unregulated mining, particularly for host communities where land degradation and other environmental problems can persist long after mining activities have ended.
The Taraba State Government said it remains committed to protecting the state’s natural resources, safeguarding host communities and ensuring that mineral resources are harnessed responsibly for the benefit of the people.
