Illegal miners and traders have besieged Danwal village, Riyom Local Government area, Plateau, following discovery of tins in commercial quantity in the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 3,000 persons from Danwail and neighboring villages were engaged in the illegal activities.

The mining site, located along Vom-Manchok road, had been turned into a mini recreational centre where assorted drinks, alcohol as well as all sorts of exotic meats were sold to the miners.

Journalist who visited the site also reported that heaps of sand containing the minerals were deposited by the tunnels awaiting cleaners, mostly women, to remove the mineral.

The chairman of the Local Miners Association, Mr Tambiya Dame, said the community survived through the illegal activity as every household in the village was involved in the mining.

 He said some miners could get up to 30 bags of 10 Kg each in a week, adding that each bag fetched about N60,000.

  He appealed to government to help the miners with tools to boost production and create employment for the youths in the community.

One of the miners, a 112-year-old blind woman, Bem Gadi, told NAN that she was engaged in the illegal activities because people had deserted village to the mining site.

“I suddenly found that I was alone in the village; For three weeks there was no one at home and even around the vicinity.

“On inquiry, I was told they were here and that’s why I decided to come over to work with them.

Ayuba Baju regretted that the old process of mining was still the vogue, adding, “It is very dangerous because some times, tunnels cave in burying miners inside.

“But we have to risk it to make ends meet; I make nothing less than N180,000 in a week. This sustains me and protect me from the temptation to commit crimes.”

Mrs Glory Ishaya, a food seller at the site said she made brisk business, disclosing that her food finished before 1:00 p.m. daily.

“I enjoy good patronage and wish the activity will continue,” she said.

The Director, Mining, state ministry of Solid Minerals, Mr Ben Gotan, while reacting to the illegal mining at the site, said the state government was aware of the activities.

Gotan said most of the miners were former staff of the Mining Corporation, adding, “they were using their skills to survive.” (NAN)