Taraba taskforce intercepts trailer concealing iron monoxide in illegal shipment

The Taraba State Special Taskforce on Environmental Protection, Public Safety, and Prohibition of Deforestation has intercepted a trailer carrying 241 bags of iron monoxide, a valuable mineral resource, illegally concealed beneath waste wood and rubber dust. Iron monoxide is commonly used in the production of iron, steel, stained glass, and magnetic recording materials.

In a statement released on Sunday in Jalingo, the taskforce’s Media and Communication Officer, Mr. Ibrahim Zuppai, disclosed that the truck, registered as GZW 470 XA KANO, was intercepted while traveling from Gashaka Local Government Area to an undisclosed destination.

The interception forms part of the taskforce’s broader mission to curb illegal activities harming Taraba’s environment and depriving the state of critical revenue.

“Currently, the trailer and its contents are in the custody of the Taraba State Special Mobile Court on Environmental Protection, which is investigating the matter,” the statement read.

The Chairman of the taskforce, Rtd. Gen. Jeremiah Faransa, expressed concern over the adverse economic impact of environmental violations, including the loss of state revenue. He reiterated the taskforce’s resolve to address these challenges effectively.

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In a related development, Rtd. Gen. Faransa paid a visit to His Royal Highness Manu Isa Alhassan Amadu, the Tsiken of Chinkai Chiefdom, located in Wukari Local Government Area**. During the visit, Faransa highlighted the importance of Chinkai’s strategic position as a gateway to North Central and North West states, emphasizing its role in Taraba’s economic and social growth.

He urged the people of Chinkai to support Governor Agbu Kefas and collaborate with the government in eradicating criminal elements threatening the region’s peace and progress.

In response, HRH Amadu lauded the taskforce’s efforts to safeguard Taraba’s environment and ensure public safety. He also expressed appreciation for the state government’s road construction projects in Chinkai, noting their potential to enhance commercial activities and improve the community’s standard of living.

The royal father pledged his community’s full support for Governor Kefas, commending his leadership and initiatives as instrumental to the development of Chinkai and the state at large.

This interception serves as another example of the Taraba State government’s commitment to preserving the environment, protecting public safety, and fostering sustainable development.

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