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Insecurity/Harsh Economy: Villagers Abandon Farming For Illegal Mining
Renewed efforts by the federal and state governments to enhance food security through various incentives to farmers are under threat by the mass exodus of villagers from faming to the more thriving illegal mining in some states of the federation.
The farmers who cited the current harsh economy, persistent bandit attacks, killing, kidnapping, and in some cases, raping of their wives and daughters, are not alone in the drift as their children have also abandoned their education to join them in the crave for quick money, which illegal mining offers.
A cross-section of the farmers in seven northern states said it is safer for them to abandon their farms and concentrate on illegal mining since bandits do not regularly attack them at the mines.
They said apart from the harsh conditions their foreign patrons and some Nigerian businessmen make them to work, the mining sites are safer and offer quick returns than the farms as they are sometimes not allowed to harvest the produce by the rampaging bandits.
An investigation carried out in Benue, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Kebbi, Bauchi, and Zamfara states showed that farms in rural and security-exposed communities have been deserted for illegal mines spread across the affected states.
These states are known for mass production of yam, rice and other grains.
they have come back again in large numbers.
Also, a Primary school teacher in Vom community of Jos South local government, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said most of the pupils, like their parents, have been exposed to ways of making money through mining at the expense of their education.
Similarly, a community leader in Heipang, Barkin Ladi local government area, who did not want his name mentioned said the ugly situation is posing serious danger to the growth and development of the Berom land.
According to him, despite the efforts of some community leaders and the state government to sensitise the young ones, most parents encourage their children to drop out of school and go into mining because of the pecuniary benefits.
He argued that federal and state government agencies should, as a matter of urgency, wake up from slumber to do everything possible to stop the illegal mining activities in the state.
At one of the sites of illegal mining at Bukuru low-cost junction, a 22-year-old, Pam Dalyop said he uses the proceeds from the business to take care of himself and his aged parents.
Source: Leadership
