Mali, Senegal nationals among 3,500 illegal miners arrested in Taraba

The Taraba government says 3,500 illegal miners have been arrested in Bali LGA of the state.

According to NAN, Jeremiah Faransa, the chairman of the task force on enforcement of the ban on illegal mining and deforestation, spoke on Monday, in Jalingo, the state capital.

He said the illegal miners were from different parts of the country as well as from other neighbouring countries, including Mali, Senegal and Chad.

He said the abundant natural resources in the state which are meant to be harnessed for the benefit of the country and the citizens locals are being threatened by the activities of illegal miners.

“This beautiful atmosphere endowed by nature is being threatened by the activities of some unauthorised people through illegal mining,” Faransa said. 

“These illegal miners take home billions of naira on a daily basis at the expense of the locals. They damage the ecosystem and environment which will have multiple effects on the future of the state.

“Dogon Yatsu is an unmotorable thick forest which has become their new abode where they extract mineral resources of various kinds.”

He said the arrested suspects have been prosecuted by a mobile court and will be punished accordingly.

He further said the task force is committed to safeguarding the state and its environment from illegal miners.

On August 3, the state secured the conviction of 46 persons involved in illegal mining and violation of environmental laws, as well as impounded over 100 trucks carrying wood out of the state.