Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to combat illegal mining, which he says is a major factor behind the alarming rate of school dropouts in mining communities across the state.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, the governor called on community and religious leaders to support the government in addressing this growing crisis, which he described as a direct threat to Plateau’s future.
He said, ‘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.’
Accompanied by Her Excellency, Helen Mutfwang, the governor expressed deep concern over recent findings indicating a sharp decline in school enrolment in key mining areas such as Bassa, Riyom, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi.
‘We conducted research and discovered that school dropout rates in these areas are distressingly high. Many classrooms are virtually empty.
‘Just last month, we also uncovered cases where parents in Bassa were sending their children out for child labour. We are tracking them,’ he said.
The governor urged community leaders to take responsibility for sensitising their people, stressing that the government, in collaboration with religious institutions, would launch an intensive enlightenment campaign to reverse the trend.
He pleaded, ‘I appeal to all of you, as leaders in your communities, to take up this cause. May God burden your hearts with the urgency of this struggle so that you will rise above all affiliations and address your people.
‘The church will play a pivotal role, and we will stand by our religious leaders in this effort.’
Beyond education, the governor highlighted the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, warning that unchecked activities were leading to land degradation, destabilisation of residential areas, and threats to government institutions.
Security, Cultural Preservation
On the state’s security challenges, Mutfwang emphasised his administration’s unwavering stance against any attempts to destabilise Plateau.
He reaffirmed that while Plateau people are hospitable and accommodating, they expect their traditions, values, and institutions to be respected.
‘All Plateau people seek is recognition and respect for their cultural values and traditional institutions. We will not allow any deliberate attempt to undermine our state,’ he further noted.
He also stressed that church unity remains crucial in achieving peace and development, pledging continued collaboration between the government and the people to build a stronger, more prosperous Plateau.
With the governor’s strong commitment and calls for collective action, the fight against illegal mining and its negative impact on education, security, and the environment is set to take center stage in Plateau State’s governance agenda.
