Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his commitment to combating illegal mining, which he says is a major contributor to rising school dropout rates in mining communities across the state.
Speaking on Sunday at a church service at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, Mutfwang called on community and religious leaders to support government efforts in addressing the issue, describing illegal mining as a threat to Plateau’s future.
The governor revealed that a recent government-commissioned study found alarming dropout rates in mining areas, with classrooms nearly empty as children are forced into child labour.
“Last week, I ordered a raid on all illegal mining camps across the state. I urge you to help our people understand that we are not trying to deprive them of their livelihoods. The devastating consequences of illegal mining are beyond imagination,” Mutfwang stated.
He cited a case in Bassa, where parents were discovered sending their children into child labour instead of school. “We are tracking them,” he added.
Mutfwang urged traditional and religious leaders to take responsibility in educating their people about the dangers of illegal mining. He pledged that the government, in collaboration with churches and mosques, would launch a massive enlightenment campaign to combat the crisis.
Beyond its impact on education, Mutfwang warned that illegal mining poses severe environmental hazards, including land degradation, destabilisation of residential areas, and threats to government institutions
On security, he reaffirmed his administration’s determination to resist any attempt to destabilise Plateau, insisting that while Plateau people are hospitable, their traditions and institutions must be respected.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 29 illegal miners and a vandalism suspect in Bauchi State.
State Commandant Oloyede Oyerinde announced the arrests on Saturday, revealing that the suspects were caught mining illegally near Waya Dam, 40km from Bauchi metropolis.
Recovered items from the raid included three motorcycles, 15 shovels and six wheelbarrows, axe, cutlass, and sand nets, and one water pumping machine
Additionally, another suspect was arrested for allegedly stealing armored cables from the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Tomb.
The NSCDC pledged to continue protecting national assets and cracking down on illegal activities in Bauchi and beyond.
