Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas has signed an Executive Order suspending all mining activities in the State.
The action, according to the Governor, became necessary given the danger it poses to the ecosystem, leading to the exploitation of vulnerable communities and increased crime rate, contributing to social unrest, and affecting the revenue generation of the state.
Describing illegal mining as a cancer that had eaten deep into the fabric of the state, Governor Kefas stressed that the unregulated extraction of minerals had led to deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, jeopardising agricultural activities, and loss of biodiversity.
He empowered law enforcement agencies to go after anyone found violating the order.
According to him, the States rivers have become contaminated, affecting the health of its people and jeopardising agricultural activities.
Kefas stated that the decision was taken lightly, adding that it was a necessary step to preserve the environment and ensure sustainable development.
This Executive Order will serve as a strong message to those who have been engaging in illegal mining activities and we will no longer tolerate the wanton destruction of our natural resources and the exploitation of our people, he said.
The governor further urged the Federal Government and development partners to support the state governments efforts in restoring the damage caused by years of unchecked mining activities.
Governor Kefas added that the state government needed the assistance of the Federal government in implementing a comprehensive reforestation programme, providing alternative employment opportunities, and strengthening its capacity for effective regulation and monitoring.
