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NESREA Seals Off Ethanol Plant for Discharging Pollutants into Water System
NESREA Seals Off Ethanol Plant for Discharging Pollutants into Water System
By: Michael Mike
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA and the Nigeria Police Force have sealed off Pure Bio-Tech Company Limited for contravening environmental law by discharging pollutants into public water system.
A statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson of NESREA, Amaka Ejiofor said: “On Monday, 17th April, 2023 at about 12.30 pm, the combined team of officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA and Officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Command Headquarters sealed off a facility belonging to Pure Bio-Tech Company Limited situated along Gboko Road, Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, for discharging untreated effluent into water bodies thereby endangering human lives and the environment, and also flouting extant environmental laws and standards.”
Ejiofor said the company, an ethanol production plant, which belongs to the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sector, uses cassava as its raw material, noting that the production of ethanol using cassava is a wet process that requires the installation of a functional Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) which would ensure that waste from these processes is well treated before being discharged into the environment, insisting that the non-availability of the ETP is in clear violations of the provisions of the National Environmental (Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Soap and Detergent Manufacturing Industries) Regulations 2009 S.I No.36 and National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulations 2009 S.I No.28.
She disclosed that In March 2023 the Facility Consultant (NESREA Accredited) carried out an Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM), and the Report of the Effluent analyzed by the Consultant was submitted to the NESREA Field Office Makurdi on the 16th April, 2023. The Report revealed that most of the parameters analyzed from the Effluent were above NESREA Permissible level as provided under the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulations 2009 S.I N0.28, adding that the facility had earlier been issued notices of compliance concerns to halt production until a functional ETP is fully installed but it failed to comply.
She said NESREA subsequently moved in to avoid further endangering of lives of residents who use water from the river for their basic household needs. This is in conformity with the provisions of the NESREA Act 2007 (as Amended), which allows the agency to carry out such enforcement activity in situations where it becomes expedient and necessary to halt an action posing imminent danger to human life, animal the environment.
She alleged that in addition to not having an ETP, the facility was also found to be operating without an Environmental Impact Statement, and did not complete the process of conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before commencement of its operation which contravenes the EIA Act CAP. E12 of LFN, 2004, also accusing the Facility for operating without relevant Environmental Permits contrary to the National Environmental (Permitting and Licensing System) Regulations 2009 S.I N0.29.
She said the facility therefore remains sealed while investigations continue, stating that at the conclusion of investigations, the appropriate sanctions will be meted out on the company.
Meanwhile, the Director General of NESREA, Prof Aliyu Jauro has reminded facilities that compliance with laid down environmental laws is a must for any company operating in the country, warning that the agency is fully determined to ensure that non-compliant facilities are made to face the full wrath of the law.
NESREA Seals Off Ethanol Plant for Discharging Pollutants into Water System
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim Abandoned by Fleeing Abductors in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued a 47-year-old woman, Mrs Pollina Alfred, who was kidnapped from her residence in Dong Village, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The rescue operation was conducted on August 11, 2026, following the abduction of the victim from her residence in the community.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops launched a search operation at about 7:00 a.m. and tracked the kidnappers to the Rafin Bauna general area in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
The troops subsequently came under pressure as they intensified their search, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the victim and flee into the surrounding area.
Mrs Alfred was found and rescued by the troops without further harm.
Following the rescue, the victim was debriefed by the security personnel before being reunited with her family.
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim Abandoned by Fleeing Abductors in Plateau
Troops Foil Armed Berom Militias Moving To Attack Fulani Communities in Mangu, Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have engaged armed Berom militias following reports of their movement from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area to carry out attacks in some fulani communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sub-Sector 81, reinforced by additional personnel from Headquarters Sector 8, mobilised to the general area at about 7:00 a.m. on August 11, 2026, following an advance report on the movement of the armed group.
The militias were reportedly moving towards Gwomgada, Dorong and Kaduno communities in Langai District of Mangu LGA.
The troops subsequently made contact with the armed group at Makera and Kaduno communities, leading to a firefight.
The engagement forced the militias to withdraw towards the general area of Jos East Local Government Area.
The troops are currently pursuing the fleeing group to deny them freedom of action and prevent further attacks on communities.
In a reinforcement effort, a detachment of the Special Forces has also been dispatched from Headquarters, Operation Enduring Peace, to support the troops operating in the area.
Further details on the operation are expected as the military continues its efforts to contain the threat and secure affected communities.
Troops Foil Armed Berom Militias Moving To Attack Fulani Communities in Mangu, Plateau
Troops Repel Fulani Bandits Attack, Secure Farmlands in Mangu, Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have repelled an attack by suspected armed Fulani bandits during a response to reports of farmland destruction at Manja Forest in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:45 p.m. on August 11, 2026, following reports that armed herders suspected to be Fulani militias were destroying farmlands in the area.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the location and made contact with the armed group.
A firefight ensued, during which the troops employed superior firepower and forced the militias to withdraw in disarray.
The source said the troops expended 10 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition and 19 rounds of 12.7mm x 108mm ammunition during the engagement.
Following the encounter, the troops maintained dominance of the area to prevent the attackers from regrouping or launching further attacks against farmers and other residents.
The troops also engaged community leaders and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), urging them to sustain neighbourhood watch activities and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to protect farming communities, prevent attacks and maintain security across vulnerable areas of Plateau State.
Troops Repel Fulani Bandits Attack, Secure Farmlands in Mangu, Plateau
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim Abandoned by Fleeing Abductors in Plateau
Troops Restore Normalcy After Drivers Block Highway, Vandalise Government Property in Plateau
Farmer arrested after killing Fulani Harder during altercation in Kaduna
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