Taraba halts mineral extraction due to safety concerns

The Taraba State Government has taken decisive action by suspending all mining activities statewide, citing the presence of credible intelligence suggesting potential security threats that could destabilize the peace and stability of the region.

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This directive was issued on Friday through a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Gebon Timothy Kataps, and has the full backing of Governor Agbu Kefas, who approved the measure to protect lives and maintain public order.

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A new task force is set to be established to oversee security and ensure the safe and responsible operation of mining activities once the identified security threats have been mitigated, marking a crucial step towards restoring normalcy to the sector.

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Governor Kefas has instructed all local government councils and traditional rulers to enforce strict compliance with the suspension order, warning that any violations will be met with appropriate sanctions and viewed as acts of defiance.

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The governor has also directed community leaders and local authorities to immediately report any breaches of the order to the nearest security agency, ensuring a swift and effective response to any potential security threats.

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A meeting is scheduled to take place next week between the state government and artisanal miners, aiming to brief them on the current security situation and outline essential vigilance measures to be taken.

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According to the statement, this engagement seeks to maintain open communication with mining operators while fostering cooperation between the government and stakeholders in the sector, ultimately contributing to a more secure environment.

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Governor Kefas has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to safeguarding lives and property, emphasizing that mining activities will only resume once a secure and properly regulated environment has been established.

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The governor has appealed to residents of the state to collaborate with security agencies and report any suspicious movements or activities that could pose a threat to peace and security, playing a vital role in maintaining stability.

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The temporary suspension of mining activities is deemed necessary by the government to prevent a deterioration of the security situation and create conditions conducive to safer mining operations in the future.