The Taraba State Special Taskforce on Environmental Protection, Public Safety, and Prohibition of Deforestation has intercepted a trailer concealing 241 bags of iron monoxide, a valuable mineral resource used in the production of iron, steel, stained glass, and magnetic recording materials.
The cargo was hidden beneath layers of waste wood and rubber dust.
This development was disclosed in a statement by the taskforce’s Media and Communication Officer, Mr Ibrahim Zuppai, and shared with journalists on Sunday in Jalingo.
According to the statement, the truck, bearing registration number GZW 470 XA KANO, was intercepted while travelling from Gashaka Local Government Area to an unspecified destination.
Environmental, Economic Concerns
The taskforce stated that the interception is part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities that damage Taraba’s environment and undermine the state’s revenue.
“Currently, the trailer and its contents are in the custody of the Taraba State Special Mobile Court on Environmental Protection, which is investigating the matter,” the statement noted.
The Chairman of the taskforce, Rtd. Gen. Jeremiah Faransa, expressed concern over the state’s revenue losses caused by environmental violations. He reaffirmed the taskforce’s commitment to addressing these challenges decisively.
Collaboration with Local Communities
In a related development, General Faransa visited His Royal Highness Manu Isa Alhassan Amadu, the Tsiken of Chinkai Chiefdom in Wukari Local Government Area.
During the visit, Faransa highlighted Chinkai’s strategic position as a gateway to North Central and North West states, underscoring its importance to Taraba’s economic and social development. He urged the people of Chinkai to support Governor Agbu Kefas and work together to eliminate criminal elements in the area.
In response, HRH Amadu commended Faransa and the taskforce for their dedication to environmental protection and public safety.
He also expressed gratitude for the state government’s ongoing road construction projects in Chinkai, emphasising their potential to boost commercial activities.
The royal father pledged his community’s unwavering support for Governor Agbu Kefas, praising the governor’s initiatives as essential to the progress of Chinkai and the state.
