From OdehOgaji, Jalingo
Taraba State Government under the watch of Dr. Agbu Kefas has decried the high level of illegal mining and deforestation activities going on in the state, saying it poses great danger to people of the state.
The Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas said he foresees impending danger of an earth quake if not checked.
In view of the above, the governor has inaugurated a Task Force on Illegal Mining and Deforestation headed by General Aliyu Farausa (Rtd) to monitor such illegal activities in order to rid the state of the threat on the entire state.
The chairman of the Task Force, Gen. Farausa (rtd), who briefed journalists on its assignment said, Governor Agbu, having seen more danger and threats alert ahead said there is need to hunt this ugly and unfriendly attitude of those involved in illegal mining and deforestation to an end.
Gen. Farausa stressed that some activities of those involved in illegal mining and deforestation activities have robbed Taraba State of reasonable Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and destroyed its huge mineral deposits and forest reserve areas.
The committee chairman further explained that they have visited some local government areas to warn traditional rulers, chairmen and other critical stakeholders to steer clear and not involve themselves in any way by avoiding locations where such illegal activities are being carried out to avoid embarrassment.
Gen. Farausa warned those indulging in illegal mining and deforestation activities to desist from such acts but rather go through proper and due processes or face the law.
“Illegal mining and deforestation activities in Taraba State are over. It is no longer business as usual as government will no longer fold its hands and watch people come from nowhere to destroy our natural heritage again”, he warned.
The committee chairman also informed the general public of existing mobile courts to try offenders, adding that the committee is fully informed of fundamental human rights and is carrying out its duties in line with the provisions of the law.
Meanwhile, following the activities of the committee, over one hundred persons have already been arrested.
