Village Head in Nasarawa Imposes N50,000 Fine on Parents for Kids at Mining Sites During School Hours

The village head of Gbado Ummeh in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Isah Akpu, has set a N50,000 fine for parents whose children are found at mining sites during school hours.

He explained that this action aims to stop parents from letting their children work in mining instead of going to school.

Mr Akpu warned that parents would face consequences if their children miss school. He made this announcement before schools reopen, stating that town criers would inform residents about the new rule.

He said the decision came after community meetings raised worries about more school-age children getting involved in mining activities.

Mr Akpu pointed out that some parents were taking their children to mining sites for jobs instead of sending them to classes.

“We have met at the community level and decided that any parent whose child is caught at the mining site during school hours will be fined N50,000,” he said.

He added that this practice is hurting the quality of education in the community. Some parents are choosing quick money over their children's schooling.

“We will not allow our children to place money above education at this early stage,” he said.

During a reporter's visit to a mining site in Kodoro Ummeh, children as young as six were seen working with their parents.

One of them, 12-year-old Ibrahim Kasim, shared that he makes around N3,000 each day from mining.

“I make N3,000 daily, which I use to make a living,” Kasim said.

But Aisha Danladi, a mother of four, explained that the children were there because schools were closed.

She noted that most of the children at the mining sites were with their parents and would not be there once classes start again.