Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has approved the immediate constitution of a new task force to tackle illegal mining and environmental degradation across the state.
The constitution of the task force was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Secretary to the Taraba State Government, Barrister Timothy Kataps.
The statement, issued on Saturday, said the task force is mandated to ensure strict compliance with government directives against illegal mining activities and the destruction of forests across Taraba State.
The eight-member task force will be headed by Major A.M. Ghali as Commander, while Captain K.R. Odenusi will serve as second-in-command.
Other members are ASP Ishaku Daniel, Iziogo Philip, Olakunde D, Kabiru Musa, Zibai Ayuba and Suleiman Daniel.
According to the statement, the task force will operate with supporting and operational personnel drawn from key security agencies.
Governor Kefas also approved the immediate dissolution of all existing committees or task forces performing similar functions, effectively giving the newly constituted team responsibility for the assignment.
The new task force is expected to work with the Mobile Court established under existing executive orders and submit periodic reports through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
Daily Trust findings revealed that the state government had, in recent months, sealed several illegal mining sites across the state. However, illegal mining activities have reportedly continued in some areas.
Last week, it was gathered that a mobile court sealed an illegal gold and diamond mining site in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of the state.
Similarly, in August, the same task force closed another illegal gold mining site at Mayo-Kam in Bali Local Government Area of the state.