Take over of Gyarta Gyere stone crushing company land for overriding public interest – Plateau Governor Muftwang

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The Plateau State Government has officially taken over the site of the Gyarta Gyere Stone Crushing Company, Jos, citing overriding public interest as part of the ongoing implementation of the Greater Jos Urban Master Plan, which seeks to promote an organized, sustainable, and secure urban environment.

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, made this declaration during an on-the-spot visit to the site on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, following detailed security reports on criminal and illegal land-grabbing activities that had raised serious concerns.

This was contained in a statement by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor.

“When this quarry was established, it was located on the outskirts of the city. Today, it lies at the heart of Jos. Development has caught up with it, and in line with modern urban practices, such activity is no longer suitable here due to its environmental impact on the city,” Governor Mutfwang stated.

The Governor further announced that, effective immediately, the Plateau State Government had assumed full ownership and control of the land, warning that any unauthorized activity within the area would attract arrest and prosecution.

“From this day forward, anyone found carrying out any activity on this land without government authorization will be arrested. The land now belongs to government, and any action taken here henceforth is entirely at one’s own risk,” he declared firmly.

In a show of fairness and transparency, the Governor sympathized with individuals who may have been deceived into buying parcels of land within the disputed area, assuring that genuine interests would be protected.

“We are setting up a desk at the Ministry of Lands and Survey starting tomorrow, November 5. Anyone who genuinely purchased land here should present their documents so that their interest can be verified and duly considered when government decides the future use of this land,” he added.

Governor Mutfwang also directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute any land agents or speculators caught selling or advertising land within the acquired area. He urged members of the public to cooperate with government by reporting such illegal activities, stressing that the administration’s actions were guided by the principles of law, order, and due process.

“Please, let us comply with this directive. The government’s intention is not to victimize anyone, but to ensure that things are done in an orderly and lawful manner,” the Governor appealed.

Providing background on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Gyarta Gyere Stone Crushing Company, Evangelist Musah Paul-Gindiri, lamented increasing land encroachment and breaches of security in the area.

He affirmed that the family of the late Evangelist Paul-Gindiri had accepted the government’s decision and would cooperate fully.

In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, and the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap, mni, pledged full and immediate implementation of the Governor’s directive and appealed to citizens to adhere strictly to the new order.

The takeover of the Gyarta Gyere Stone Crushing Company site marks another decisive step by the Mutfwang administration in its determination to restore order, safeguard the environment, and promote planned development within the Greater Jos Metropolis.