Kefas dissolves controversial taskforce in Taraba

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has dissolved the Brigadier General J.A. Faransa (Rtd) led the Special Taskforce on Environmental Protection.

The dissolution of the taskforce sparked widespread relief among the people of the state especially the less privileged ones, who decried the actions of the taskforce.

The taskforce had been criticised for its strict enforcement actions, which reportedly made life cumbersome for many, especially those who relied solely on charcoal for cooking.

Tensions started when General Faransa allegedly ordered the destruction of mining equipment worth billions of naira in Akwana village of Wukari local government council.

Sources said the burnt equipment, which included excavators, and generators, among others, and the public outcry, necessitated the governor’s action.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident is believed to have contributed to the decision to wind up the task force’s activities.

The Permanent Secretary to the Secretary of the State Government, Mrs. Jemimah Nwunuji, in a statement, said the task force was observed to have been instructed to conclude its operations and submit its report with recommendations to the office of the SGS.

Nwunuji stressed that the government plans to use the report to guide future efforts in combating illegal mining and ensuring environmental protection.

Residents, who expressed frustration over the task force’s actions, applauded the governor for taking the bull by the horns.

They called on the governor to hold the retired general accountable for the destruction of the mining equipment.