Brigadier General Jeremiah Faransa (Retd), Chairman of the Taraba State Committee on Environmental Protection, Public Safety, and Prohibition of Deforestation, has issued an urgent warning about the environmental damage caused by mining and logging activities in the state. Speaking at a press conference in Jalingo, he highlighted the severe ecological impact of illegal mining, stressing the need for immediate intervention to prevent a disaster similar to that in Ogoni.
Faransa revealed that his committee had inspected multiple mining sites and observed extensive damage first-hand. He emphasised that while Taraba’s government supports legitimate mining and investments, environmental safety remains paramount. “We are not opposed to legal mining, but operators must comply fully with regulations to protect the environment,” he stated.
Citing Plateau State as an example, Faransa warned of how extensive mining can render land unfit for agriculture if proper reclamation practices are neglected. “Miners are required to cover up at least 80 percent of excavated land and contribute to community development through amenities like schools, hospitals, and clean water. Sadly, this standard is far from reality in Taraba,” he said.
The committee has already made several arrests, including foreign nationals from Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and China, who were handed over for prosecution. Additionally, the committee conducted advocacy campaigns across mining communities to educate residents on the risks of illegal mining, though these efforts were largely disregarded by entrenched cartels.
Faransa also condemned the logging of live trees for charcoal production, a practice he noted has worsened deforestation and disrupted the ecosystem. “This unchecked destruction of economic trees, driven by demand from other states, is threatening biodiversity and accelerating deforestation. We all have a responsibility to protect our land to ensure its sustainability for agriculture, biodiversity, and future generations,” he urged.
