Burkinabe Attack Mines and Energy Officials During unannounced late-night inspection in Gbarpolu County
May 25, 2026
Bopolu: Over 40 Burkinabe nationals have attacked the Ministry of Mines and Energy officials during an unannounced late-night inspection in Koningia Chiefdom, Bopolu District, officials have confirmed.
According to voice of Gbarpolu, a local radio in the country, Minister of Mines and Energy Hon. R. Matenokay Tingban and his team arrived in Bopolu City Sunday evening, May 24, 2026, to reinforce monitoring of illegal mining.
In Henry Town, Inspector General of Mines Agatitu B. Coker and Director General of Mines Alwell Carr led the operation and were attacked on site.Authorities say the Burkinabe group had been operating illegally for over six months without trade records or resident permits.
More than 100 Burkinabe are reported to be in the Henry Town mining district. Several suspects were arrested, including mining site supervisor Abraham Tallaweh and Illegal Site Closed, All mining activities at the site have been shut down under a comprehensive closure order as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, in Bopolu City, the team also seized a truckload of kakata heading to Belle Yealla in Belle District. Katakata is a machine use in mining Sector. Credit: Voice of Gbarpolu
