Some schools had to be closed because the pupils abandoned schools for mining.
Sylvanus Dongtoe, the commissioner for housing and urban development in the state of Plateau, has called on the public to back the government’s decision to halt mining operations in the area until the subsector can be prepared for coordinated operations.
The Commissioner made the statement in his office in Jos while receiving the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its chairman Polycarp Auta.
He expressed his regret that, in addition to widespread environmental damage, many students have left school to participate in illicit mining.
His concerns include, but are not limited to, sexual harassment, unintended pregnancies, women fleeing their husbands’ homes, and the pursuit of miners.
He stated, “This issue of mining, I want to use this opportunity also to appeal to you. The intention of the government is not to punish any person.
“It’s not to subject the citizen of the State to hardship, but rather, to reposition the State such that it would be a place that is envied, where people come in for legitimate activities.
“But when the Governor signed Executive Order 001, 2025 suspending mining activities, you can see that a lot of people, particularly the political class, are taking it to be like a political feud, castigating the government. Help to enlighten the public on why the government had to take that decision.
“It’s quite unfortunate that our youths these days, some schools had to be closed because the pupils abandoned schools for mining.
“In construction, you rarely find artisans because they have gone for mining. They are no longer even farming. What happens if the tin ceases? Somebody in 300L had to abandon his school to go for mining.
“There is the issue of sexual harassment and whatnot, unwanted pregnancy, women moving out of their husbands’ houses, chasing after the miners. You know how these things will not help us. I think it sends a negative picture about Plateau State.”