Gen. Faransa’s Task Force Committee denies destroying govt mining equipment in Akwana.
By Christiana Babayo
The Taraba State Special Taskforce on Environmental Protection,
Public Safety, and Prohibition of Deforestation has debunked allegations that its Chairman, Brigadier General Jeremiah Faransa Rtd, destroyed government-owned mining equipment in Akwana.
The Committee declared their stance through a press release signed by the Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Zuppai, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Jalingo.
The taskforce expressed its disappointment in the reports circulating the media, stressing that they have been diligent in the discharge of their duties of protecting the environment and public safety.
Part of the statement reads,
“We categorically debunk this baseless allegation and set the record straight. The Taskforce has been diligently carrying out its functions in accordance with Executive Order No. 3 and 5 as amended, signed by His Excellency, Gov. Agbu Kefas in 2023, which established the Taskforce to protect the environment, ensure public safety, and prohibit deforestation.
“The allegation of destroying government-owned mining equipment is a clear attempt by a cartel to create a rift between the Governor and the Taskforce, and to undermine our efforts to protect the state’s environment, it resources and citizens as the task force was not communicated of any government equipment’s deployed to any mining site when the government is still working on a clear guide line for all miners to adhere to”
The Taskforce through the statement also maintained that they have enjoyed the full support of the Governor Dr Agbu Kefas and that has enabled them record achievements which include, Protecting Taraba State’s forests and natural resources, preventing environmental degradation and ensuring public safety and security.
They reiterated their commitment to their duties of safeguarding the environment while calling on the general public to disregard the false narrative as it is a plot to distract the general public and cause confusion.
