The Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere has expressed concern over the increasing rate of illegal sand mining operations in Anambra state, warning that it will prosecute anyone caught in the act.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
this warning follows after the enforcement team of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA Brigade arrested five persons engaged in illegal sand mining in Ebenator, Nnewi South Local Government Area.
Comrade Anere while expressing disappointment with the involvement of some stakeholders in the illegal activity which he said has proven to have devastating effects on the ecology of the state, said that the government is committed to ensuring that sand miners in the state meet minimum requirements according to international best practices.
Comrade Anere frowned at those who harass the staff of the agency while they perform their duties and stated that the agency will stop at nothing to bring such persons to justice no matter who they are.
He pointed out that the agency has expedited constant monitoring and review of mining methods and its impacts, taking stock of degraded areas to ensure they meet regulations and ensure a sustainable environment.
Responding, some of the suspects, Mr. Ubaka Ihuoha, Chijioke Obiora, and Nzubechukwu Adimonye confessed to the crime and appealed for mercy from the state government, saying they were misled by their leader.
ANN gathered that the Brigade also sealed the site of the illegal sand mining.
