By KENNETH DARENG
Dyemburuk village, widely known as Dogo Na Hauwa, was once a quiet and peaceful community on the border of Barakin Ladi and Jos South local government areas of Plateau State.
However, on March 7, 2010, this small and tranquil settlement became the epicentre of a horrific massacre. That night, rampaging Fulani herdsmen attacked the village, killing over 500 innocent residents, mostly women and children, drawing global attention to this once little-known community.
Dyemburuk has a long history tied to tin mining. In the 1950s and 1970s, it was one of the mining sites operated by the British colonial administration through the Amalgamated Tin Mines Nigeria (ATMN). This attracted a diverse population of labourers and artisans from across Nigeria, including Hausas, Igbos, Yorubas and others, alongside the indigenous inhabitants.
Years after the tragic 2010 massacre, some residents returned to rebuild their lives, while others relocated permanently. Yet, Dyemburuk now faces a new threat – illegal mining activities that endanger lives and properties within the community.
When THE NIGERIA STANDARD visited Dyemburuk, it was discovered that illegal miners were digging wells as deep as nine feet, barely five feet away from mud houses. Tunnels spread beneath homes, posing severe risks to residents, particularly children playing in the area. The absence of electricity only compounds the danger, making night-time accidents likely.
Many of the miners come from neighbouring villages, with little regard for the havoc they wreak on Dyemburuk. These miners often secure consent from landowners by offering cash or sharing tin after processing. Unfortunately, the practice continues unabated, with new wells being dug daily by groups of desperate men and women.
Stephen Dung, a 43-year-old miner who has been in the business for over 20 years, acknowledged the risks involved but defended the practice as his livelihood. “My younger brother almost lost his life when a metal bucket filled with tin materials fell on him. Thankfully, the well was not beyond seven feet deep. Despite the risks, one bag of tin can fetch up to ₦900,000, which is good money,” he said.
John Pwajok, another miner, argued that Dyemburuk’s terrain could withstand mining without causing homes to collapse. “The wells have no water, and the depth we work at doesn’t allow water retention. This reduces the fear of potential collapse,” he claimed.
However, residents like Choji Henry Daniel and Madam Ruth Daniel, a widow with seven children, expressed grave concerns. Choji lamented the recurring mining near his family land, while Madam Ruth feared for her children’s safety.
The village head, Da Dauda Gyang Pam, stated that he and the community elders had opposed illegal mining within the village. Meetings were held with landowners to discourage the practice, especially near residential areas. However, enforcement has proven difficult.
Professor Edward Ossai, a resident and property owner, criticised the miners’ claims and called for urgent action. “This is like sitting on a time bomb. Mining in the heart of the village is dangerous, especially during the rainy season. The village head has ordered the miners to stop, but fresh signs indicate ongoing activities,” he disclosed.
Illegal mining is not unique to Dyemburuk; it is prevalent in other parts of Plateau State, such as Zawan, Gyel, Shen, Du, Foron and Barakin Ladi. Economic hardships, unemployment and the lucrative tin market have driven many youth into this hazardous trade.
Prof. Ossai stressed the need for stricter enforcement by relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which oversees such activities. “There are legal procedures to obtain mining licences. It is unacceptable to endanger lives for profit. The local government chairmen of Jos South and Barakin Ladi must urgently assess the situation and call the miners and chiefs to order,” he urged.
He also highlighted the long-term dangers of mining near homes, particularly in villages where houses are often built with non-conventional materials. “The Laranto School Academy tragedy in Jos, where students were buried under collapsed buildings with tunnels beneath, should serve as a cautionary tale,” he warned.
To prevent further tragedies, Prof. Ossai recommended reclaiming affected lands by filling the mining pits. “During the rainy season, these wells will fill with water, posing even greater risks to children and other residents,” he added.
Dyemburuk and other mining communities in Plateau State are losing their ancestral lands to unsustainable practices. Arable farmlands are being transformed into wastelands and dangerous ponds, endangering lives and threatening future generations. Urgent action is needed to halt these activities and protect the community from another avoidable tragedy.