For “security reasons,” Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang has halted all mining operations in the state.
Mutfwang stated that the suspension, which is effective immediately, continues until further notice in an executive order dated February 21.
“There is the need to ensure measures taken to protect places of mining activities in Plateau State and to ensure only persons that are licensed to conduct mining can enter or leave such premises. The suspension of all mining activities has become necessary,” the executive order reads.
“There is an increased influx of foreigners in the mining areas of Plateau State, which significantly increased insecurity in the State, including but not limited to offences of Rape, Banditry, Illegal Possession of Firearms, Drug trafficking and Kidnapping.
“I, Barr. Caleb Manasseh MUTFWANG, the Executive Governor and Chief Security Officer of Plateau State, deemed it necessary to suspend all mining activities in Plateau State for security reasons.”
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The governor said his administration will collaborate with the federal government to develop appropriate standards and monitoring framework between the state, local government areas, host communities and minerals right holders.
Mutfwang added that the government would carry out a holistic review of the security situation in all the mining areas in the Plateau and ensure an appropriate community development agreement (CDA) to address the socio-economic contributions of the rights holders.
