Gov Agbu commends tax force for success in fight against illegal mining in Taraba

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Worried by the high spate of illegal mining and other criminal activities in Taraba State, the State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has commended the State tax force led by chairman committee on illegal mining, Gen Jeremiah Farantsa Rtd, and his team for the tremendous success recorded so far in the mining sector.
People’sDaily reports that, Dr Agbu Kefas has last month issued an executive order to protect host Communities, control and regulate mining activities in the State.
To this end, it has become illegal for mining expedition to be carried out without proper documentation, a measure which is designed to stem all forms of insecurity, and other criminal activities in the State.
This is contained in a statement by the Governor’s Special Assistant on Media and Digital communication, Mr Emmanuel Bello and made available for Journalists in Jalingo on Monday.
Mr Emmanuel Bello said, the State tax force led by general Jeremiah Farantsa Rtd, has last week arrested over 3000 illegal miners in Bali local government area of Taraba State.
“One of the earliest steps Governor Agbu Kefas took was to swiftly issue an Executive Order on illegal mining in the state. It was bold, new and very strategic. Coming at the right time, it was an effective way of checkmating the drift in the mining sector. Illegal mining had hitherto eaten deeply into the fabric of that area, dealing with any meaningful exploration or exploitation of mineral resources. The state was hemorrhaging.”