The Taraba State Government Expresses Concern Over the Involvement of More Than 20,000 Residents in Illegal Mining and Deforestation
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a recent development, General Jeremiah Faransa (Rtd), Chairman of the Taraba State Task Force Committee, expressed deep concern over the participation of over 20,000 residents in illegal mining and deforestation within the state. This alarming situation has prompted the government to take decisive action.
Faransa revealed that the task force has already apprehended over 100 ringleaders, including foreigners, who were involved in these illicit activities. The state government, resolute in its commitment, has pledged not to relent in its efforts to combat illegal mining and the destructive practice of deforestation that threaten the state’s environment.
The crackdown on illegal mining came as a surprise to the culprits, as the task force, acting on the government’s ban on these activities, swiftly raided their camps. What they discovered were makeshift shanties and locally crafted firearms used by some miners, suspected to be linked to kidnapping and other criminal acts.
In accordance with the governor’s directives to dismantle all equipment and structures found at these mining sites, the task force set fire to the machinery and makeshift dwellings, sending a strong message against such activities.
During the operation, some of the arrested illegal miners pleaded for leniency, claiming ignorance of the state government’s ban. One individual, Usman Abubakar, from Adamawa State, stated that he had spent over a month at the site and was merely acting as a secretary. He mentioned that the chairman had managed to escape.
Another individual, Nasiru Adamu, originally from Kaduna State, explained that he had been lured into supplying sacks worth 800 thousand naira for the transport of mineral resources to the site. He, too, expressed regret over his involvement and had spent two months at the illegal mining operation.
Chairman Faransa stressed that the mining activities posed a significant threat and served as a breeding ground for criminal activities, particularly banditry. As part of the operation, the task force also seized 22,275 kilograms of blue sapphire.
Faransa concluded by appealing to legal miners and potential investors to await new directives from the governor regarding future engagements in mining activities within the state. The Taraba State government remains unwavering in its commitment to preserving the environment and ensuring the rule of law in its territory.
