Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has sounded the alarm over the increasing number of school dropouts linked to illegal mining activities in the state.
Speaking after a Sunday service at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters in Jos, the governor called for urgent action to curb the menace, which he said is negatively impacting education and the environment.
Mutfwang revealed that research conducted by the government showed distressingly high dropout rates in Bassa, Riyom, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) due to the lure of illegal mining.
He noted that schools in these communities are “virtually empty” as young boys and girls abandon education in favor of mining activities.
“Last week, I ordered a raid on all illegal mining camps across the state, and I urge you to make our people understand that we are not trying to deprive them of their livelihoods,” Mutfwang stated. “But the devastating consequences of illegal mining are beyond imagination.”
The governor called on religious and community leaders, as well as parents, to support government efforts in addressing the crisis. He warned that unchecked illegal mining could lead to long-term economic and environmental devastation.
Mutfwang reiterated his commitment to uniting the people of Plateau and implementing policies that would drive sustainable development, urging citizens to support his administration’s initiatives.
As Plateau grapples with this growing challenge, stakeholders are expected to collaborate in finding long-term solutions to safeguard education and the future of the state youth.
(NAN)
