Nasarawa Task Force Arrests 69 Persons For Violating Sanitation Law

By Alfred Ifemosu

No fewer than 69 persons have been arrested by the Nasarawa State Sanitation Task Force for violating sanitation laws in the state.

The State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Yakubu Kwanta made this disclosure during  an interview with newsmen in Lafia, the state capital on Saturday.

Kwanta, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mohammed Rocha, stated that the offenders, mostly motorists and motorcyclists, will be prosecuted according to the state’s sanitation laws.

The commissioner, who talked on the importance of sanitation, urging residents to prioritize cleanliness, added  that the sanitation exercise achieved 80 percent compliance rate.

He also commended traditional rulers, especially the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage, for their encouragement and participation in the monthly sanitation efforts.

The Kwanta pointed out Killema Community in Lafia Local Government Area for their exceptional efforts in promoting cleanliness and urged other communities to emulate them.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule for consistently providing logistics for the smooth running of the sanitation exercise.

“As you are aware every last Saturday of the month is set aside for sanitation.

“Before I go further, I want to appreciate Governor Abdullahi Sule for always providing logistics as at when due for the smooth sanitation.

“I want to also thank the task force and the volunteers for their continuous support that helped us to record a huge success in this exercise,” he said.

Abubakar Mohammed, Chief Prosecutor at the state Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, stated that the 69 defaulters were arrested from across the 13 local government areas of the state.

According to Mohammed, the ministry had prosecuted about 24 people who had violated sanitation laws.

He added that they have been sentenced to jail terms as specified by the laws.