Despite the inherent dangers associated with illegal tin 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.
Recall that a few months ago, four youths lost their lives while other were trapped after an illegal mining site collapsed in Dura community of Jos South local government area of Plateau State.
This year alone, over 30 people have reportedly died as a result collapsed mines in the state. Though this is the official figure known to the government, the casualty figure may be higher as there are some deaths that have not been reported.
Worried by the frequent cases of mine collapse and deaths, the state government placed a ban on illegal mining with a view to regulate the sector and put a stop to the illegal activities but the move was seen as government being insensitive and trying to stop the only means of livelihood for miners.
The opposition saw it as harsh decision meant to deprive the illegal miners from their source of livelihood and even the explanation by Gov. Caleb Mutfwang could not dissuade antagonists from having a change of mind.
Following the recent disaster, our correspondent visited an illegal mining site in Barkin Ladi local government area to find out why the youths still engage in the dangerous venture despite the dangers they face.
Read their responses below:
Dung Joseph:
“I know that this mining we are doing is illegal but we are pushed to engage in it because we must survive. Our government has not provided jobs for the youths, you want to engage in farming but Fulani bandits will not allow you to farm. So what do we do?
“For me, I have to engage in this business that you people call illegal because I have to fend for my family. I know it is dangerous but I have no alternative because I cannot steal.”
Patrick Vongman:
“Who said what we are doing is illegal? Okay, if it is illegal, the government should provide an alternative source of livelihood for us. I am a graduate with a B.Sc in Business Administration. I graduated over seven years ago and since then, I have searched for a job to no avail.
“I have a wife, three kids, aged parents and siblings that I have to take care of. How do I do that if I don’t engage in this illegal mining like you people call it? Yes, I know it is dangerous and a mine can collapse and bury you in an instant but then, life is all about taking risks to survive.”
Abraham Peter:
“I know this job is very risky and you can die in an instant. In fact, anytime I leave home to come and hustle, I tell my wife to expect two things: either I come home alive or they bring my dead body. I have seen a pit collapse on my friends and all five of them were buried alive.
“But life must go on as everybody must die one day. We are pushed into this dangerous business because we do not have an alternative. There are no jobs anywhere especially for some of us who did not go to school. So the best option is to take this risk to survive.”
Inusa Sabo:
“Every one must die one day, so anytime I come here, I am not afraid of death. I just focus on what I come to do which is to make money to take care of my family. Yes, there is danger especially when you go into the pit but one has to do it if you must survive in this harsh economy of the country.”
John Kutah:
“I will not lie to you, I am always afraid of going into the pit as I prefer to work on the outside but you don’t make much. So once a while, I take the risk of going down but I always pray to God to protect me.
‘Guza (tin) mining s a very dangerous business especially using the crude methods that we use. But it is also very lucrative because we make good money from it. We only engage in it to survive because there are no jobs anywhere.”
