Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered all mining activities in the state to be suspended due to concerns.
In an executive order issued on Friday, February 21, Mutfwang stated that the suspension will take effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
He explained that his government will conduct a comprehensive review of the safety status of plateau mining areas and implement community development agreements to address the socio-economic contributions of rights holders.
“It is necessary to ensure that measures are taken to protect the locations of mining activities in the Plateau State and to ensure that only persons permitted to mine can enter or leave such venues. The suspension of all mining activities has become necessary,” the order reads.
“Illegal mining activities and insecurity related to such mining activities in various local government areas of the Plateau State have increased.
“Foreigners in mining areas of the Plateau State have poured in, and the state has greatly increased insecurity in the state, including but not limited to rape, gangsters, illegal possession of guns, drug trafficking and kidnapping crimes.
“I, Bar. Caleb Manasseh Muftwang, Executive Governor and Chief Security Officer of Plateau State, believes that it is necessary to suspend all mining activities in Plateau State for security reasons.”
The governor added that his administration will work with the federal government to establish appropriate standards and involve state, local governments, host communities and mineral rights holders.
