The Plateau State Government has officially taken over the Gyarta Gyere Stone Crushing Company site, popularly known as Paul Gindiri Quarry, in Jos. The move, according to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, aligns with the Greater Jos Urban Master Plan and aims to ensure organized, sustainable, and secure urban development across the state capital.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, who said the decision followed an on-the-spot inspection by the Governor on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Governor Mutfwang, during the visit, said the takeover became necessary after receiving security reports of illegal land-grabbing and criminal activities within the area.
“When this quarry was established, it was located on the outskirts of the city. Today, it lies at the heart of Jos. Development has caught up with it, and in line with modern urban practices, such activity is no longer suitable here due to its environmental impact on the city,” the Governor stated.
He declared that the state government had assumed full ownership and control of the land, warning that anyone found operating within the area without government approval would face arrest and prosecution.
“From this day forward, anyone found carrying out any activity on this land without government authorization will be arrested. The land now belongs to government, and any action taken here henceforth is entirely at one’s own risk,” he warned.
Governor Mutfwang expressed sympathy for individuals who may have been misled into buying parcels of land within the disputed area. He assured that genuine land buyers would be given the opportunity to present their documents for verification and consideration.
“We are setting up a desk at the Ministry of Lands and Survey starting tomorrow, November 5. Anyone who genuinely purchased land here should present their documents so that their interest can be verified and duly considered when government decides the future use of this land,” he added.
The Governor further directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the illegal sale or advertisement of land within the acquired area. He appealed to citizens to support government efforts by reporting such activities.
“Please, let us comply with this directive. The government’s intention is not to victimize anyone, but to ensure that things are done in an orderly and lawful manner,” Mutfwang emphasized.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Gyarta Gyere Stone Crushing Company, Evangelist Musah Paul-Gindiri, expressed appreciation for the government’s transparency. He explained that the family of the late Evangelist Paul-Gindiri had accepted the government’s decision and would cooperate fully.
In their remarks, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey and the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap, mni, pledged immediate implementation of the Governor’s directive. They also urged the public to obey the new order for the peace and progress of the state.
The takeover of the Gyarta Gyere Quarry, popularly known as Paul Gindiri, marks another decisive step in the Mutfwang administration’s effort to restore order, safeguard the environment, and drive structured development within the Greater Jos Metropolis.
