Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has ordered the suspension of all mining activities in the state due to security concerns.

In an executive order issued on Friday, February 21, Mutfwang stated that the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice.

He explained that his administration would conduct a comprehensive review of the security situation in mining areas across Plateau and implement a Community Development Agreement to address the socio-economic contributions of rights holders.

“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 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 Muftwang, 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 added that his administration would collaborate with the federal government to establish appropriate standards and a monitoring framework involving the state, local governments, host communities, and mineral rights holders.