A cross section of Residents of Nasarawa State says that mining activities in their areas have exposed a lot of women to sexual exploitation and prostitution.
The residents stated this in separate interviews with journalists on Tuesday in Nassarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of the state.
Mining activities have been a significant contributor to the economy of Nasarawa State and Nigeria with vast deposits of minerals such as coal, limestone, lithium, and granite among others.
Residents of Gale community of Nassarawa-Eggon said that mining activities has led to increase in gender-bassd-violence and sexual exploitation in the area over the years.
They however, explained that the impact of mining activities in their community is a complex issue that comes with both economic benefits and social challenges.
Mrs Bara’atu Adamu, a thirty five-year-old mother of two said she lost her marriage following her indulgence in a sexual relationship with a miner to support her children.
“I relied on my mining boyfriend for support because my husband could not provide for my needs and my children including buying clothes for special occasions.
“I am not regretting my actions because I am doing well with my mining boyfriend who always meet my needs,” she added.
Thirty-year-old Grace James, a food vendor at a mining site, has spoken publicly about the consequences of her infidelity, revealing that she lost her one-year marriage after her husband discovered her affair with a miner.
Grace, who has expressed deep regret over her actions, said her mining boyfriend has since dumped her, and her parents have disowned her.
She advised women to be responsible and content with their circumstances no matter the condition.
Mrs Mary Judge, who sells soft drinks and snacks at the site, confirmed that many married women hide their marital status to indulge in sexual activities with men for financial gains.
Abdullahi Haruna-Onawo said that women are no longer allowed to climb the hill where drilling takes place due to security concerns and the attendant risks of mineral exploitation.
Haruna-Onawo said, In the past, women were allowed to climb the hill and collect precious sand to sell, but they are restricted from going up due to security issues and the risk of exploitation.
“Unfortunately, some women no longer respect their husbands at home, and some men are taking advantage of them sexually,” he added.
He further explained that the involvement of youths in mining activities has reduced all manners of robbery and insecurity in the area.
He appealed to the state government to closely monitor the activities of foreigners working with mining companies because they are taking advantage of the poverty to exploit women.
Reacting to the sexual exploitation of women in mining sites, The Director Women, Ministry of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Mrs Fatima Danladi said the Ministry has programmes in place to support women at the state and federal levels.
She advised women to resist being woo into relationships that would jupardi
She added that the ministry would continue to protect women, children and other vulnerable groups in the state.
Also, State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Princess Margaret Elayo expressed concern over the involvement of women in sexual affairs at mining sites, noting that her Ministry is advocating women development and welfare .
Also, Global Right Executive Director, Abiodun Bayeiwu appealed for collective action to create a world where justice, equality and dignity are realities for women in mining communities.
Mrs Bayeiwu gave assurance that Global Right will ensure that the rights of women and children are protected.