The Taraba State Task Force has raised concerns over the unregulated activities of miners within the state, citing their detrimental impact on arable lands suitable for farming.
General Jeremiah Faransa (retired), the Chairman of the Task Force, addressed these issues during a briefing in the state capital, Jalingo, on Monday.
Faransa revealed that the uncontrolled mining operations have severely degraded lands, rendering them unsuitable for agriculture and prompting some communities to abandon farming altogether.
He emphasized that Taraba State currently hosts both legal and illegal miners, with over 20,000 individuals involved in mining activities. Illicit miners often operate discreetly within legitimate mining companies.
The situation in communities like Arufu and Akwana in Wukari local government area deeply alarmed Faransa, who described the extensive destruction caused by both legal and illegal miners.
These communities have endured significant excavation, making their lands unsuitable for farming or construction.
Furthermore, Faransa highlighted the exploitation of young teenagers in areas like Dogon Yasu, who should be attending school but instead work as cheap labor for mining companies, receiving meager daily wages ranging from N500 to N1000.
This practice has contributed to a rise in school dropouts in Northern Nigeria.
However, Faransa clarified that the state does not oppose mining investment but is concerned about the lack of due diligence and environmental protection.
He stressed that miners have specific responsibilities, particularly concerning environmental preservation and public safety.
Under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2007, miners are expected to refill excavated land to at least 80%, but Faransa noted that compliance with this requirement has been notably lacking in mining sites.