By Samuel Udoma/Solomon OKPO
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson, has strongly condemned the recent spate of violence in Plateau State, describing the killings as gruesome and senseless. Senator Sampson made the remark on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, at the Government House in Jos.
The visit was part of the Committee’s oversight tour to Plateau, during which members met with critical stakeholders, including the Gbom Gwom Jos, Dr. Da Jacob Gyang Buba, inspected mining sites, and assessed progress at the proposed University of Mining and Geosciences in Dong.
Expressing deep sympathy on behalf of the Senate, Senator Sampson, who represents Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, noted that some of the attacks have been loosely linked to mining activities in the region. He emphasized Plateau State’s historic role in Nigeria’s mining journey and lamented the insecurity threatening its legacy.
“Plateau is synonymous with Nigeria’s mining heritage. The senseless killings in this richly endowed state are not only a tragedy to the people but also a brutal assault on Nigeria’s solid minerals framework. We mourn with the government and people of Plateau and condemn these criminal acts in the strongest terms,” he said.
Senator Sampson stressed the need for a coordinated and apolitical response to insecurity in the region and assured that the 10th Senate remains committed to legislation that will strengthen security around mining zones and promote sustainable development.
Also speaking, Deputy Majority Whip of the Senate, Senator Peter Nwebonyi, commended Governor Muftwang for his developmental strides and extended the goodwill of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. He affirmed the Senate’s commitment to working with Plateau State for peace and progress, especially in addressing security concerns and advancing mining development.
Governor Muftwang, in his remarks, appreciated the Committee’s solidarity and recognized the long-standing mineral wealth of the state. He decried the paradox of wealth and insecurity, noting that poorly managed mining pits have caused more deaths than terror-related attacks in some areas.
“The tragedy is that mining, which should be a blessing, has become a source of pain due to insecurity and neglect. We must reform the sector and ensure mining contributes positively to the lives of our people,” the Governor said.
He expressed optimism that greater collaboration with the National Assembly would help reposition the mining sector and secure the lives and livelihoods of Plateau residents.
Also on the Committee’s visit were Senators Mustapha Khabeeb (Jigawa South), Vice Chairman of the Committee; Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central); Senator Mustapha Khalid (Kaduna North); Senator Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South); Senator Amos Yohanna (Adamawa South); Senator Pam Dachunggyang (Plateau South); Plateau State officials; and the Committee Clerk, Mr. Paul Nanvyaap.
