The governor of Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang, has halted every mining operation in the state due to “security reasons.”
Through an executive order issued on February 21, Mutfwang declared that the suspension takes effect immediately and will remain until further directives are given.
“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,” the executive order reads.
“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 MUTFWANG, 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 mentioned that his government will work closely with the federal authorities to establish effective guidelines and a monitoring system involving the state, local governments, host communities, and minerals right holders.
Mutfwang further stated that the government intends to conduct a thorough assessment of security conditions across Plateau’s mining zones and ensure a proper community development agreement (CDA) to regulate socio-economic responsibilities of rights holders.
