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By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
The Chairman, Task Force Committee on Suspension of Mining Activities in Taraba State, General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa (rtd), has vowed to fight illegal miners who float the order of Governor Agbu Kefas against mining activities in the state, just as he denied purported media report of raping six women in Taraba community.
General Faransa who stated this while briefing newsmen on the activities of his committee in Jalingo said business of illegal mining in the state has come to end as his team will do everything possible to curtail the nefarious acts once and for all.
Condemning the purported report of rape as unfounded, malicious and cowardise by detractors, the general said with the presence of security agents and other members of the committee, how is it possible for him to rape six women in the community considering his age and status in the society and described the report as the hand work of enemies and challenge them to prove evidence of their claims.
He disclosed that during the period under review, more than 100 persons were arrested and prosecuted while a truck containing 24 different receipt booklets was equally intercepted and handed over to mobile court for prosecution.
The Chairman further reviewed that over 22,500 kilogram worth mineral deposit (blue gold) rated costly in the world was also recovered from the nefarious activities of illegal miners in one of the local government areas of the state, adding that large number of minerals deposit have been in their quantities waiting for harnessing as some individuals are still bent in frustrating effort of the state government in that direction.
Genersl Faransa who made it clear that mining activities in the state has been suspended indefinitely further warned that any act contrary to the earlier order by the governor will be dealt with, in accordance with the law of the state and commended Gov. Kefas for his foresights.
It will be recalled that Gen Faransa in his earlier report submitted to the governor said mining activities have a devastating effect on residents and have destroyed lands in Arufu, Akwana and some other villages across the state.
He also described as dangerous to human health the toxic inhale by pregnant women which would result in giving birth to deformed children, while recommending that the government be banned all receipts henceforth and open account for mining, timber, livestock activities among others.
