Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Princess Margaret Itake Elayo, sounded the warning during an inspection tour of mining activities along the Uke River in Karu Local Government Area. The visit followed concerns over possible mercury contamination linked to illegal mining practices.
Elayo expressed alarm over reports alleging the use of mercury—a toxic chemical—in local mining operations and the improper disposal of hazardous waste into the Uke River, a vital water source for surrounding communities and wildlife.
“This river is life to many people and animals,” she said. “If harmful substances are truly being released into it, that is unacceptable. Profits cannot come at the cost of human health.”
To verify the claims, water samples were collected for laboratory analysis, while operators were summoned for questioning.
