Youths of Plateau State under the auspices of Berom Youth Molders (BYM) has petitioned the Minister of Mines, Steel and Solid Minerals Development, the Mining Cadastre Office, the Plateau State Government, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command demanding their prompt intervention in the mining dispute to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

The youths who made their petition known in a press conference in Jos on Saturday, demanded immediate revocation of the purported Mining Lease No. ML-129 by the Mining Cadastre Office or any office that is saddled with such responsibility.

They also demanded for an investigation into the relationship between ML-126 and ML-129, and whether or not it is tenable within the relevant legislations and regulations for two Mining Leases to cover the same land.

Investigation into the circumstances under which ML-129 was purportedly processed, granted and/or became associated with the disputed land.

“We seek a verification of compliance with the applicable Community Development Agreement requirements, investigation by the Plateau State Commissioner of Police into who requested and authorised the deployment of Police personnel to Latya, investigation by the Federal Government into the circumstances surrounding the use of the Police and Civil Defence at the mining site.

The group also demanded an immediate cessation of the use of Police personnel or any security personnel to intimidate, harass or unlawfully arrest members of the community and any Plateau person in connection with the mining area in view.

“We also seek immediate release of community members who are being unlawfully detained.

The youths also gave a notice of peaceful protest, “If the Federal and Plateau State Governments fail to respond to these demands and fail to revoke mining lease ML-129 within one week period.” (The Nation)