The process of extracting minerals from the earth, which is intended to be a beneficial economic activity for society, has instead led to grief and regret for some residents in rural areas of Plateau State.
Despite the state government's efforts to regulate mining through various rules and regulations, those who engage in illegal mining largely disregard these measures, putting lives and property at risk.
Plateau State is abundantly endowed with numerous mineral resources, with mining locations spread across many rural communities.
The most significant minerals found in large quantities in the state include tin, columbite, kaolin, granite, marble, gypsum, quartz, barite, lead, zinc, iron ore, gemstones, topaz, amethyst, coal, clay, pyrochlore, monazite, and fluorite.
While tin and columbite are prevalent due to their economic significance and long history of mining, the state's geological composition supports a diverse array of industrial, metallic, and precious minerals, many of which remain underutilized or are targeted by illegal miners.
Illegal mining has historically provided a source of income for young people in certain communities within the Bassa, Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos, Mangu, and Wase local government areas.
Many illegal miners operate under the cover of night, often disregarding government bans in their quest for better yields or to avoid detection by enforcement teams during the day. This dangerous and unlawful practice has become a common occurrence in Plateau State's rural areas, making them vulnerable to attacks by bandits and armed groups.
These activities continue in defiance of the bans imposed by the state government over the years. As a result, mining sites have turned into hotspots for violence, with many young individuals in these regions increasingly becoming victims during frequent confrontations.
For example, on January 22, 2026, suspected bandits raided an illegal mining site in the Capitex area of Kuru community, located in Jos South Local Government Area, around 1 am, resulting in the deaths of seven young miners. None of the attackers were apprehended or identified by law enforcement, and their identities and locations remain unknown, leaving the local population in a state of confusion, fear, and uncertainty.
Prior to this, on December 16, 2025, unidentified gunmen attacked a mining site in Ratoso Fan community in Barkin Ladi LGA, killing at least 12 miners and injuring several others. They also kidnapped three individuals and stole some of the mined minerals.
In addition to this unfortunate situation, rural areas within the Wase Local Government Area, known for its abundant mineral resources, are often targeted by armed assailants.
Similar incidents have occurred in rural regions of Bokkos LGA, where gunmen have taken the lives of several individuals in recent months, typically under the cover of night when visibility is low and security patrols are scarce.
Aside from the threats posed by militia attacks, the unstable conditions of the mines where people search for gold also endanger lives. Numerous incidents of mine collapses have been reported, affecting poor villagers seeking minerals.
At least four illegal miners lost their lives in September 2025, while several others were trapped and later rescued in the Dura community of Jos South LGA after an illegal mining pit caved in. Eyewitnesses reported that the ground collapsed on workers who ignored government warnings and entered the site after vigilantes had left for the night.
Previously, in November 2024, 13 miners, primarily young men aged 18 to 30, died when an artisanal mining site in Bassa LGA collapsed.
The hazardous and illegal activities at mining sites have caught the attention of security forces in the state, who recently pledged to enforce relevant laws and penalize those who violate them. Last week, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding the 3rd Division in Plateau State, expressed the concerns of security agencies regarding recent events in various parts of the state.
The military leader specifically noted the increasing attacks on miners at mining sites and the significant influx of cattle into agricultural communities. He cautioned that the ban on illegal mining remains in effect and urged those involved in these nighttime activities to cease or face legal consequences.
The commander stated: "As we discuss strategies for a peaceful farming season, I want to emphasize the importance of strengthening community-based conflict resolution methods, where traditional, religious, and community leaders should lead dialogues between conflicting parties."
He called on all stakeholders to collaboratively create and enforce a community-driven code of conduct to ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in Mangu.
"Moreover, stakeholders must enhance early warning systems to promptly notify security agencies, allowing for quick responses to security threats," Oyinlola added.
Illegal mining has existed for some time, and the Plateau State government has consistently condemned it, threatening sanctions against those involved, despite their refusal to heed warnings to stop.
Since taking office, Governor Mutfwang has implemented various measures to address illegal mining, kidnappings, possession of illegal firearms, drug trafficking, the influx of unregulated foreign miners, environmental degradation, child labor, and frequent accidents such as mine collapses that have trapped or killed miners.
In February 2025, Governor Caleb Mutfwang enacted Executive Order 001, which immediately suspended all mining activities, both legal and illegal, across the state until further notice.
The Governor also established a Technical Committee on Artisanal Mining to assess the sector and collect data on mining sites. By May 2025, the state had cleared and approved the resumption of operations for approximately 159 mining companies that complied with regulatory standards, while maintaining the ban on unapproved or illegal operators.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain as some youths continue to engage in illegal mining, particularly at night. An 18-year-old miner, Mancha Yaro, from Jos South LGA, acknowledged that they are aware of the serious dangers associated with illegal mining, especially at night, but they participate as a means of survival. "We need to do something to eat and support our families," he told AV.
He explained that severe economic hardship, lack of viable job alternatives, and high unemployment rates are the primary reasons many youths turn to illegal mining. "I have been mining for three years without any qualifications or skills. I didn’t need to go to school or learn a trade because mining is the only job available to me right now; I just want to earn money and help my parents," Yaro stated.
Additionally, high dropout rates in mining communities continue to threaten children's education, despite government initiatives aimed at providing free basic education.
Dr. Kehinde Ogunmola, a lecturer in the Department of Geology at the University of Jos, informed AV that many mine collapses in Plateau occur because miners often use basic tools and disregard safety standards, leading to deadly accidents.
"Many mining sites may have loose, sandy, or weathered soil, which is susceptible to sudden collapse. Furthermore, heavy rain often softens the soil around mining pits, causing collapses," Ogunmola noted.
Mr. Jude Ajang, a geologist, told our correspondent that abandoned mining ponds have resulted in the deaths of children and continuously expose communities to significant environmental and health risks.
He mentioned that residents in rural areas frequently report incidents of children falling into these deep, water-filled ponds while playing or tending to animals.
Joyce Ramnap, the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, stated that the government is taking necessary measures to address these challenges and ensure the safety of lives and property.
(Source: Vanguard Newspapers)
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