Plateau youths defy mining ban amid poverty as death toll from illegal mining rises

Despite repeated warnings, deadly accidents and a statewide ban, illegal mining continues to flourish across Plateau State as many young people blame Nigeria’s harsh economic conditions for pushing them into what they describe as a “life-or-death” means of survival.

Illegal mining, particularly of tin and columbite, has claimed dozens of lives in recent years, with mine collapses and violent attacks becoming increasingly frequent.

Yet for many youths involved in the trade, the risks are outweighed by the absence of jobs, insecurity in farming communities and the daily struggle to provide for their families.

A few months ago, tragedy struck the Dura community in Jos South Local Government Area when an illegal mining pit collapsed, killing four youths and trapping several others underground.

Earlier incidents include the collapse of another mining site reportedly linked to a prominent politician, which buried multiple miners, including two brothers. Despite public outrage at the time, the incident faded without accountability.

Security experts and local authorities have also linked several violent attacks in Plateau to illegal mining activities. In one of the deadliest incidents this year, armed bandits attacked a group of miners in Bokkos Local Government Area, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 10 others.

Official figures for 2025 indicate that over 50 youths, including women, died either from mine collapses or mining-related attacks. However, miners and community members insist the actual number may be far higher, as many deaths go unreported.

Alarmed by the rising death toll and broader security implications, Governor Caleb Mutfwang in early 2025 signed Executive Order 001, suspending all mining activities across Plateau State.

According to the governor, the decision was aimed at protecting lives, restoring environmental integrity and addressing growing security threats associated with unregulated mining.

“As the Chief Security Officer of the State, it is my duty to ensure the safety of our people,” Mutfwang said while signing the order.

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“Given the rising security concerns associated with illegal mining, we must take decisive action. All mining operations are hereby suspended until further notice.”

The governor said illegal mining had fueled land degradation, child labour and the influx of unregulated foreign miners, while also contributing to banditry, kidnapping, drug trafficking and the circulation of illegal firearms in mining communities.

The ban, however, has been fiercely criticised by opposition voices and some community leaders, who argue that the government is insensitive to the economic realities facing unemployed youths.

“I know this mining is illegal, but we are pushed into it because we must survive,” said Dung Joseph, a young miner in Kassa. “There are no jobs. Even farming is no longer safe because bandits will not allow you to farm.”

Silas Danjuma, another miner, said poverty left him with few options. “I cannot steal. I have a family to feed. Yes, it is dangerous, but what choice do I have?”

“Anytime I leave home, I tell my wife to expect two things — either I return alive or they bring my body,” said Thomas Dimas, who recounted witnessing five friends buried alive in a pit collapse. “There are no jobs, especially for those of us without education.”

Dr Anthony Kalla, a Plateau-based security analyst, said banning mining without alternatives would only drive the activity underground.

“Illegal mining thrives where poverty, unemployment and weak enforcement intersect. A blanket ban, without economic cushioning, is unlikely to succeed,” he said.

An environmental scientist at the University of Jos, Dr Mercy Longkat, warned that beyond deaths, the practice is causing irreversible damage.

“Unregulated mining destroys farmlands, contaminates water sources and increases the likelihood of violent conflict. Plateau is paying a very high environmental and human cost,” she said.