The Plateau State Government has formally taken over the site of the Gyarta Gyere Stone Crushing Company in Jos, citing overriding public interest as part of the ongoing implementation of the Greater Jos Urban Master Plan, which aims to promote an organized, sustainable, and secure urban environment.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, announced the decision during an on-the-spot visit to the site on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, following detailed security reports on criminal activities and illegal land-grabbing within the area.
“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,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
The Governor declared that the state government has assumed full ownership and control of the land, warning that any unauthorized activity on the site henceforth would lead to 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 the government, and any action taken here is entirely at one’s own risk,” he said firmly.
In a show of fairness, Governor Mutfwang sympathized with individuals who may have been misled into purchasing land within the disputed area, assuring them that genuine interests would be protected.
“A verification desk will be established at the Ministry of Lands and Survey starting tomorrow, November 5. Anyone who genuinely purchased land here should present their documents for verification so that their interests can be duly considered when the government determines the future use of this land,” he explained.
He further directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute land speculators or agents caught selling or advertising land within the area, urging the public to cooperate with government and report illegal activities. He emphasized that the administration’s actions were guided by law, order, and due process.
“The government’s intention is not to victimize anyone, but to ensure that things are done properly, lawfully, and in the interest of the public,” he added.
Providing background on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Gyarta Gyere Stone Crushing Company, Evangelist Musah Paul-Gindiri, lamented the growing issue of land encroachment and security breaches in the area. He confirmed that the family of the late Evangelist Paul-Gindiri had accepted the government’s decision and pledged full cooperation.
In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey and the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap, mni, assured full implementation of the Governor’s directive and appealed to citizens to comply with the new order.
The takeover of the Gyarta Gyere Stone Crushing Company site marks another decisive step by the Mutfwang administration in its commitment to restore order, safeguard the environment, and promote planned development within the Greater Jos Metropolis.
