Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has underlined his administration’s commitment to combating illegal mining, which he claims is a key contributor to the alarming incidence of school dropouts in mining towns across the state.
Speaking during a church service on Sunday at COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, the governor urged community and religious leaders to join the government in addressing the mounting problem, which he described as a direct threat to Plateau’s future.
He stated, “Last week, I authorized a raid on all illegal mining camps in the state. I encourage you to assist our people understand that we are not attempting to deprive them of their livelihoods. The devastation caused by unlawful mining is beyond description.”
Accompanied by Her Excellency Helen Mutfwang, the governor voiced grave worry about recent data revealing a substantial drop in school enrollment in important mining areas such as Bassa, Riyom, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi.
“We conducted research and discovered that school dropout rates in these areas are alarmingly high.”
Many classrooms are nearly vacant. “Just last month, we discovered situations in Bassa where parents were sending their children out for child labour. “We’re tracking them,” he said.
The governor urged community leaders to take responsibility for sensitizing their constituents, emphasizing that the government, in partnership with religious institutions, will begin a comprehensive enlightenment effort to reverse the trend.
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 emphasized the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, saying that unchecked activities were causing land degradation, destabilizing residential areas, and endangering government institutions.
On the state’s security concerns, Mutfwang emphasized his administration’s unflinching opposition to any attempts to destabilize Plateau.
He emphasized that, while the Plateau people are welcoming and accommodating, they demand their traditions, values, and institutions to be respected.
“The Plateau people desire acknowledgment and respect for their cultural values and traditional institutions. “We will not tolerate any deliberate attempt to undermine our state,” he added.
He also emphasized the importance of church unity in achieving peace and prosperity, promising to continue collaborating with the government and the people to build a stronger, more prosperous plateau.
Guest Preacher Rev. Agwom Azi Magaji delivered the sermon based on John 11:25, with the theme “I Am the Resurrection and the Life.” He stressed God’s ability to bring back to life whatever that appears to be lost or dead.
“The power of resurrection resides in Christ Jesus. Every believer must accept God’s power in their lives in order to keep their confidence in Him.
” With the governor’s strong commitment and demands for collaborative action, Plateau State’s governance plan will prioritize the battle against illegal mining and its harmful impact on education, security, and the environment.