Governor of Plateau state, Caleb Mutfwang has attributed the alarming rate of school dropouts in some communities to mining activities.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in All Nations (COCIN) in Jos, the governor said his administration is determined to combat illegal mining activities.
Mutfwang called on community and religious leaders to support the government in addressing this growing crisis, which he described as a direct threat to the feature of Plateau state.
“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”, the governor said.
Mutfwang 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 Local Government Areas.
“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,’’ the governor said.
He appealed to 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.
“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”, the governor said.
Mutfwang also lamented the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining.
He warned that unchecked activities were leading to land degradation, destabilisation of residential areas, and threats to government institutions.
Also speaking on the security challenges in the state, Mutfwang emphasised his administration’s unwavering stance against any attempts to destabilise Plateau.
According to him, “Plateau people are hospitable and accommodating, they expect their traditions, values, and institutions to be respected.
“All Plateau people seek is recognition and respect for their cultural values and traditional institutions.
“We will not allow any deliberate attempt to undermine our state”.
The governor also stressed that church unity remains crucial in achieving peace and development and pledged continued collaboration with the people to build a peaceful, stronger and more prosperous Plateau.
