The Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, Kasim Mohammed Ikwa, has warned village chiefs and district heads against harbouring illegal miners or collecting money from them at the expense of their communities.
Ikwa gave the warning during a meeting with traditional rulers, village chiefs, district heads and community leaders held in his office on Friday.
He expressed concern over allegations that some village chiefs and district heads collect money from illegal miners while undermining the interests of their subjects.
He also condemned the illegal allocation of land by some community leaders, citing a recent incident involving the Gwako burial ground, where an individual allegedly claimed ownership after paying compensation for the land as private property.
Describing the development as unacceptable, Ikwa insisted that public lands, especially burial grounds and other community assets, must be protected from illegal encroachment.
He urged community leaders, village chiefs and district heads to be vigilant against the activities of illegal miners and land grabbers, warning that the council would not condone any action capable of bringing his administration into disrepute.
The chairman also cautioned traditional leaders against allowing themselves to be used as political tools, urging them to remain impartial, accessible and fair to everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
He stressed that every individual would ultimately be accountable for their actions.
Ikwa further emphasised the need for traditional rulers and community leaders to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, especially during the peak farming season.
He urged them to engage both groups in dialogue to prevent clashes.
The chairman thanked the traditional rulers, district heads and village chiefs for their continued support and charged them to uphold justice, peace, fairness and mutual understanding within their communities.
He reiterated that traditional institutions remain indispensable partners in promoting security, protecting public assets and advancing the sustainable development of Gwagwalada Area Council.