The governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting illicit mining, which he claims is a primary cause of the startlingly high school dropout rate in mining towns around the state.
The governor urged community and religious leaders to assist the government in tackling this escalating situation, which he characterised as a direct danger to Plateau’s future, during a church service on Sunday at COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos.
He noted, “Last week, I ordered a raid on all illegal mining camps across the state. I urge you to help our people understand that we are not trying to deprive them of their livelihoods. The devastating consequences of illegal mining are beyond imagination.”
Accompanied by Her Excellency, Helen Mutfwang, the governor expressed deep concern over recent findings indicating a sharp decline in school enrolment in key mining areas such as Bassa, Riyom, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi.
“We conducted research and discovered that school dropout rates in these areas are distressingly high. Many classrooms are virtually empty.
“Just last month, we also uncovered cases where parents in Bassa were sending their children out for child labour. We are tracking them,’’ he said.
The governor urged community leaders to take responsibility for sensitising their people, stressing that the government, in collaboration with religious institutions, would launch an intensive enlightenment campaign to reverse the trend.
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He pleaded, “I appeal to all of you, as leaders in your communities, to take up this cause. May God burden your hearts with the urgency of this struggle so that you will rise above all affiliations and address your people.
“The church will play a pivotal role, and we will stand by our religious leaders in this effort.”
Beyond education, the governor highlighted the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, warning that unchecked activities were leading to land degradation, destabilisation of residential areas, and threats to government institutions.
