News
Shutdown Benue ethanol company appeals for reopening
Shutdown Benue ethanol company appeals for reopening
By: Michael
Shut ethanol- producing company, Pure Biotech Company Limited has appealed to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to reopen its premise for operation after it installed a state-of-the-art Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), to prevent the reoccurrence of wastewater contamination, which was the reason for its shutdown.
The NESREA and the Nigeria Police Force had sealed off the company on 17th April, 2023 for contravening environmental law by discharging pollutants into public water system.
In an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, the Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Relations of the company, Mr Stephen Numbeve,, said his organisation has taken the necessary step to get reopened and thereby appealing to NESREA to give the go ahead to resume operations.
He admitted the accidental discharge of untreated effluent (wastewater) into the Benue River in Bezu Village where the factory is located, has led to severe pollution, and could not blame the environmental right groups and other stakeholders call for the shut down of the Chinese factory.
Numbeve said the organisation have learnt a big lesson, which made it to take the decision to optimise its Environmental Management System (EMS) by completing its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
This, he said has been approved and awaiting EIS certification by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
He said: “It is important to make it clear that the said discharge was not a continuous one as being widely reported. It occurred just that moment while the facility’s Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) then was under a test run. We erred, we were sanctioned according to the environmental laws, our facility was sealed off by NESREA on 17th April for almost two (2) weeks, but most importantly, we have learnt our lessons!
“After complying with stipulated conditions for unsealing in line NESREA’s enforcement procedures, including conducting independent physicochemical analysis, ascertaining the functionality of ETP, payment of fines, our company was unsealed on 29th April, 2023, we have resumed operations”.
Numbeve said the company had equipped its laboratory to ensure that product, effluent and air quality analysis were carried out to ensure that all parameters meet standards and regulations of relevant bodies.
“We are adopting circular economy approach to waste management. Now, all solid and liquid wastes are converted into bio-gas, fertiliser, and even the treated wastewater now being recycled.
“Nothing is to be discharged into the environment or river, anymore! We encourage the general public to take a tour to the company and see things for yourselves,” he said.
He said Pure Biotech Company Limited was law abiding and would continually improve on its systems and programs toward protecting the environment and human health.
“Pure Biotech Company Limited has invested a fortune to optimize her waste management mechanisms. Our vision is to become a leading environmental friendly company in Benue State and the North Central Nigeria.
“Pure Biotech Company Limited, beside the incident, is not discharging any effluent into the environment, river or any water body whatsoever.
The PR manager said the company was embarking on several Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, such as the provision of clean water, education, healthcare, farm support, employment opportunities for the indigenes.
Shutdown Benue ethanol company appeals for reopening
Communal clash at illegal mining site leaves five injured in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent clash between residents of Boko and Jaya villages in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara state has left at least five persons injured following a dispute at a stone mining site.
Sources said the incident occurred on April 20 at about 11:00 a.m. at the Kwanza Stone Mining Site, located between the two communities.
According to the sources, the clash began when members of both villages engaged in illegal mining activities at the site, leading to a disagreement that escalated into violence, with both sides allegedly using firearms.
The sources said the injured victims include Sha’aibu Adamu, 30; Shakiru Suleiman, 26; Kasu Boko, 27; Abdullahi Dahiru, 25; and Ibrahim Usman, 25, all from the affected communities.
They added that the exact number of persons killed could not be immediately confirmed at the time of filing the report.
A joint security team comprising troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA. police personnel and community protection guards was swiftly deployed to the area to restore order.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Kaura Namoda for medical treatment.
Security authorities said normalcy had since been restored in the area, while efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the violence.
They also confirmed that investigation into the incident had commenced.
Communal clash at illegal mining site leaves five injured in Zamfara
Security forces foil Kidnapping, flee after alarm in Gombe community
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have attempted to abduct residents in Unguwan Yamma, Amada area of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe state.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 3:20 a.m. when the attackers stormed the residence of one Alhaji Muhammad Abba, who narrowly escaped the attack.
According to the sources, the assailants proceeded to a neighbouring house where they abducted a child after the mother raised alarm.
The sources said the kidnappers, however, abandoned the child and fled the scene following the commotion.
A divisional patrol team, alongside hunters and local vigilantes, was immediately mobilised to the area and is currently on the trail of the suspects.
Police authorities said investigation was ongoing, while efforts had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing attackers and prevent further incidents in the area.
Security forces foil Kidnapping, flee after alarm in Gombe community
Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly engaged armed bandits in a heavy gun battle during a clearance operation at Yankuzo area in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
Security sources said the operation followed aggressive fighting patrol on armed groups into the area, believed to be a stronghold used by suspected bandit elements operating within the axis.
According to the sources, troops advanced into deep into the terrorists enclave of Ado Allero in the early hours of the day and made contact with the armed men, leading to an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes.
Residents reported heavy gunfire during the confrontation.
Although details of casualties were still being assessed at the time of filing this report, security sources confirmed that troops maintained dominance of the general area and continued pursuit of fleeing armed elements.
Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara
Communal clash at illegal mining site leaves five injured in Zamfara
Bandits abduct two, escape with motorcycles after gun duel in Zamfara
Security forces foil Kidnapping, flee after alarm in Gombe community
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