The Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State, Amalau Samuel Amalau, has ordered the immediate suspension of all mining activities—both legal and illegal—across the council and imposed a daily curfew in two districts following deadly attacks on miners.
The measures were announced in a statement on Sunday, as authorities respond to a series of assaults blamed on suspected militias.
“Following the prevailing security challenges currently affecting parts of the local government, and after due consultations with relevant security agencies and stakeholders, I have approved the immediate suspension of all mining activities in Tenti and Mandar districts until further notice,” Amalau stated.
He also imposed a curfew from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily in the Tenti and Mandar districts and surrounding areas within Bokkos LGA.
The chairman explained that the actions are necessary to curb activities that could worsen the fragile security situation and to enable security agencies to operate effectively.
“I appeal to the good people of Bokkos Local Government Area to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies as collective efforts are intensified to restore lasting peace and normalcy,” he said.
The suspension and curfew follow recent violent incidents in the region. On January 22, gunmen attacked a mining site in Kuru, Jos South LGA, killing seven people. In December, 12 people were killed at a mining site in Barkin Ladi LGA.
Local authorities attribute the attacks to gunmen believed to be militias, amid longstanding ethnic and resource-based tensions in Plateau State.
Residents, miners, business operators, and visitors have been urged to comply strictly, with warnings that violators will be dealt with according to the law. The directives take immediate effect.
