We’ve lost more people to illegal mining than in Bokkos and Bassa – Gov. Mutfwang
Our reporter
“The people we have lost in illegal mining last year are more than we have lost in Bokkos and Bassa and nobody is talking about it.”
Above were the words of Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State while giving further explanation on the government’s suspension of mining activities in the state.
The governor while addressing the Christian community during the peace walk against the incessant attacks on communities in the Bokkos and Bassa Local government areas of the state, organised by the Church Denominational Leaders Forum and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State chapter.
The governor who received the protesters at the Government House Little Rayfield explained that the number of people the state had lost to illegal mining activities in 2024 was more than those killed in the attacks in Bokkos and Bassa local governments.
He added that the dangers associated with illegal mining were underreported, so no one was talking about them.
Governor Mutfwang said, “I want to let you know that the people we lost in illegal mining last year are more than we have lost in Bokkos and Bassa and nobody is talking about it.
Describing the state as “a blessed land” Governor Mutfwang stated that for too long, the people of Plateau have not fully benefited from mining activities as according to him, “we have eaten the crumbs instead of eating the main food.”
While calling on the youth in the state to shun all vices that “have cut short the strength of our youth,” the governor reminded them that they are the “strength of the future and strength of the land,” hence the need for them to rise to the demands of the times.
“The people that attack our communities are not ghosts. They are human beings. They can be seen; they can be reported; they can be resisted. But it can only be done when we are in our full senses.”
The governor also tasked religious leaders to be deliberate in reaching out to the youth emphasizing that while the state is dealing with insecurity, it must also deal with the “canker worm of drug addiction.”
“Plateau is a blessed land but for too long we have eaten the crumbs instead of eating the main food. And we have said, we must reverse that trend. If healing is a children’s bread, solid mineral belongs to the children of Plateau. And we must benefit from it.”
“I therefore appeal to our youth who have been deprived of the little things they used to get from the mining sites since we ordered the suspension.
“I want you to know that we have big plans for you. We are going to organise you and equip you so that you can earn better even from the activities of mineral exploration.”
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