The government of Taraba state announces that it has successfully obtained the conviction of 46 individuals who were engaged in illegal mining activities and violated environmental laws within the state.
On Thursday, in the state capital, Jalingo, Jeremiah Faransa, the chairman of the task force responsible for enforcing the ban on illegal mining and deforestation, made the disclosure.
Faransa revealed that the individuals responsible were identified for engaging in the unlawful activities of cutting down and processing trees in various locations throughout the state.
According to the chairman’s statement, a total of 39 individuals were found guilty of engaging in illegal tree cutting, while another seven individuals were convicted for illegal mining. These convictions were enforced by a mobile court. Additionally, the chairman revealed that more than 100 trucks, transporting various types of wood outside the state, have been seized and impounded.
After conducting visits to the majority of mining sites in the state, Faransa reported that the task force had uncovered significant infractions in mining operations.
“Adequate sensitisation has been made on this new policy and whoever claims ignorance will face the full wrath of the law because ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” he said.
“We have a mobile court which is a court of summary jurisdiction and the full weight of justice shall be applied to the offenders.
“Already those who have been convicted are provided with an option of fine or will go to jail.”
According to Faransa, the government has put a hold on logging and mining operations until proper guidelines are produced.