Plateau gov suspends mining activities over insecurity

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has suspended all mining activities in the state over security concerns.

In an executive order dated Friday, February 21, Mutfwang said the suspension, which is with immediate effect, subsists until further notice.

He added that his administration 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 to address the socio-economic contributions of the rights holders.

It reads, “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.

“There is an increase in illegal mining activities and insecurity associated with such mining activities in various Local Government Areas in Plateau State.

“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 Muftwang, the Executive Governor and Chief Security Officer of Plateau State, deemed it necessary to suspend all mining activities in Plateau State for security reasons.”

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.

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