Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has identified illegal mining as a major contributor to the growing insecurity in the state. He said this prompted his recent decision to sign an Executive Order suspending all mining activities.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at the Government House in Jos, the governor gave an account of his administration’s achievements over the past two years. He noted that Plateau’s rich mineral resources, which should have boosted the state’s economy, have instead become a source of violence and exploitation.
According to him, criminal elements and their sponsors have taken advantage of these mineral deposits, arming bandits with sophisticated weapons to invade and displace communities rich in minerals, allowing them to take over mining operations illegally.
Responding to criticisms that the Executive Order might hurt small-scale businesses, Mutfwang clarified that the move is intended to bring order and regulation to the mining sector. He explained that legal miners and the state at large will benefit more once proper frameworks are put in place.
He described mining as a potential driver of economic growth and expressed concern that if left unregulated, the sector could continue to deepen the state’s insecurity challenges.
The governor emphasized that the temporary suspension is necessary to allow a committee to design a fair and transparent system that will govern the mining industry, ensuring all stakeholders benefit without exploitation.
He also pointed out that several violent attacks in Plateau are linked to the rush for mineral-rich lands, which are often targeted by criminals aiming to forcefully take control.
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting indigenous communities and ensuring they are not displaced in the name of illegal resource exploitation.
