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“Deadly Hunt: Plateau’s Illegal Miners Risk Lives For Daily Survival”.
Despite the obvious dangers of illegal mining, which have caused deaths and severe injuries, many youths in Plateau State continue to risk their lives in the trade, citing harsh economic conditions as their driving force.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
A few months ago, four young men died and others were trapped when an illegal mining site collapsed in Dura community, Jos South LGA. Previously, another site allegedly owned by a prominent politician also collapsed, burying two blood brothers among other miners, yet the case was quietly dropped despite public outcry.
Findings show that illegal mining is linked to many violent incidents, including a January attack by bandits in Bokkos LGA that killed 12 miners and injured over 10. Official figures for 2025 indicate that more than 50 youths, including women, died from mine collapses or bandit attacks, though miners claim the real number could be higher due to underreporting.
In response to the frequent accidents and security risks, Governor Caleb Mutfwang issued Executive Order 001 of 2025, suspending all mining activities across the state. The governor explained that the move aimed to protect the environment, improve security, curb child labor, and combat the influx of unregulated foreign miners, which had fueled banditry, kidnappings, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms possession.
“As Chief Security Officer of the State, it is my duty to ensure the safety of our people. Given the rising threats associated with illegal mining, all operations are suspended until further notice. This action is necessary to restore order and ensure Plateau’s resources benefit its people,” Mutfwang said.
However, the ban was criticized by opposition figures, who argued that it unfairly cut off miners’ only source of income, and many miners ignored the suspension, continuing operations in areas like Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs where tin and columbite are abundant.
At Kassa, a mining hub in Barkin Ladi, thousands of miners and traders converge daily, despite the constant danger of collapses. The site has become a bustling, informal marketplace where livelihoods are at stake.
When DAILY POST visited Kassa, miners expressed that survival outweighs fear of death. Dung Joseph said, “We know it’s illegal, but we have to do this to survive. There are no jobs, and even farming is risky with bandit attacks.”
Silas Danjuma added, “I have to provide for my family. I know it’s dangerous, but I cannot steal. This is my only option.”
Patrick Vongman, a graduate in Business Administration, explained, “I have a wife, three kids, and elderly parents. Life is about taking risks to survive.”
Thomas Dimas said, “I know the risks. I’ve seen five friends buried alive, but we have no alternative. Life must go on.”
Inusa Sabo echoed, “Everyone must die one day. I focus on making money for my family despite the dangers.”
Geoffrey Kutah admitted, “I prefer working outside the pit, but it pays less. Occasionally, I go down, praying for protection. Mining is dangerous, but lucrative, and we do it because there are no jobs.”
The miners’ words reflect the harsh economic reality pushing youths toward life-threatening ventures, highlighting a deadly cycle of survival amid limited opportunities.
Bamidele Kehinde, Director of Dynamic Ambassadors for Social Orientation Initiatives and the City Transformation Project, has expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its efforts in securing the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who was reportedly held in detention in the Republic of Benin for over two years under difficult conditions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Pastor Egbaji, a Nigerian cleric, was said to have endured harsh treatment during his detention, including prolonged confinement. His release followed a presidential pardon granted by the authorities in Benin Republic under President Patrice Talon.
Speaking on News Central TV, Dr. Kehinde praised the diplomatic efforts that led to the cleric’s freedom, describing the process as lengthy and challenging. He noted that significant progress was achieved after Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
He stated that although there was no personal connection or financial influence involved, the minister actively engaged Benin Republic authorities through diplomatic channels. According to him, her visit and negotiations played a key role in securing Pastor Egbaji’s release.
Dr. Kehinde also commended all individuals and institutions that contributed to the advocacy efforts, including Moses Eyo, Dickson Umu Unung, the Cross River State Government, CP Alobi Lawrence (rtd), Joseph Bisong Ayi, Blessing Harrison, Eze Sampson, and Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo.
He said their combined efforts were instrumental in achieving the cleric’s freedom.
He added that while Egbaji’s release is a major relief, the cleric now faces the task of recovering and rebuilding his life after years of hardship. He called for continued support to help him reintegrate into society.
Dr. Kehinde also urged stronger government commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and enhancing diplomatic engagement across West Africa to prevent similar cases in the future.
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has provided an update on its ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The board stated that 1,120,491 applications were successfully completed and processed, allowing candidates to proceed to the computer-based test (CBT) stage.
It also disclosed that 432,935 applications were left incomplete, while 360,923 applicants were disqualified during screening and shortlisting for failing to meet the required criteria.
In total, the recruitment exercise recorded over 1.8 million applications across the country.
The exercise covers agencies under the board, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, and the Nigeria Correctional Service.
CDCFIB also released a breakdown of CBT performance, showing that 221,996 candidates scored between 0–40, 229,155 scored between 41–60, 278,543 scored between 61–80, while 142,697 scored between 81–100.
The recruitment process is now expected to move to the next stage, which includes physical screening and document verification. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with details of their screening venues, dates, and required documents.
The board reiterated that the entire process is free of charge and advised applicants to rely only on official communication channels for updates, warning against misinformation and unauthorized messages circulating online.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted precise airstrikes in the Yuwe axis of the Sambisa Forest, resulting in the elimination of several terrorist elements on Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who noted that military operations in the North-East continue to maintain strong pressure on insurgent groups.
He explained that the operation was based on credible intelligence, supported by Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities, which identified active terrorist presence within fortified positions and underground hideouts.
According to him, NAF air platforms successfully engaged the targets using precision-guided munitions, destroying the structures, neutralising multiple terrorists, and dismantling key logistics facilities. This was later confirmed through battle damage assessments.
The statement added that sustained air operations have continued to weaken terrorist networks, disrupting their activities and forcing them into more defensive and unstable responses.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, also reiterated the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining continuous, intelligence-driven operations aimed at completely neutralising terrorist threats.
He further assured that the NAF remains focused on protecting its personnel, safeguarding national security, and ensuring the safety of citizens, while continuing precision operations in line with strict rules of engagement to minimise civilian impact.
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