Deadly Venture: How Plateau illegal miners face death in search of daily bread

Despite the inherent dangers associated with illegal mining, which has led to casualties, including deaths and incapacitation, some youths in Plateau State who undertake such dangerous ventures have blamed the harsh economic realities in the country for their stubborn obsession with the trade.

A few months ago, four youths lost their lives while others were trapped after an illegal mining site collapsed in Dura community of Jos South local government area of Plateau State.

Before then, a mining site said to belong to a top politician collapsed and buried some youths, including two blood brothers, and despite the hue and cry for justice, the issue was silently swept under the carpet.

Findings have also linked the majority of vicious and deadly attacks leading to deaths to illegal mining, as was witnessed early this year, when bandits attacked a group of miners in Bokkos local government area, killing 12 of them and injuring more than 10.

Official statistics for 2025 put the number of youths, including women, who died as a result of collapsed mines or bandit attacks at over 50, but according to some of the miners themselves, the casualty figure may be higher as some deaths have not been reported.

Worried by the frequent cases of mine collapse and deaths and the danger posed by illegal mining, which had also affected other sectors in the state, including the education sector, Gov Caleb Mutfwang took a bold decision when he signed an Executive Order 001 of 2025, suspending all mining activities across the state.

According to the governor, the movewas made to protect the environment, address security challenges, and safeguard the well-being of citizens of Plateau State.

While signing the Order, Mutfwang stated that the suspension was necessary to curb illegal mining, mitigate land degradation, combat child labor, and address escalating security threats, including the influx of unregulated foreign miners, which has fueled banditry, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms possession in mining communities.

"As the Chief Security Officer of the State, it is my duty to ensure the safety of our people. Given the rising security concerns associated with illegal mining, we must take decisive action. All mining operations are hereby suspended until further notice.

“This measure is aimed at restoringorder and ensuring that Plateau’s resources are harnessed for the benefit of its people,” Governor Mutfwang had declared.

But as usual, the ban on illegal mining was seen by the opposition as the government being insensitive and trying to stop the only means of livelihood for miners.

They saw it as a harsh decision meant to deprive the illegal miners of their source of livelihood, and even the explanation by Gov Mutfwang could not dissuade them from having a change of mind.

Despite the suspension, illegal mining continued to thrive with new sitesopening up, especially in Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs, where there is an abundance of tin and columbites. The youths carry out their illegal activities in the open despite the dangers they face daily.

A particular mining site in Kassa, a community in Barkin Ladi can pass for a regulated site with its daily activities drawing thousands of illegal miners and patrons who come as far as Abuja and neighbouring states, as well as petty traders who make brisk business, and everyone seems happy.

But in all of these, the lurking danger cannot be wished away with a wave of the hand as it is always a daily reminder to the illegal miners that a typical day could be their end.