By Karen James
…Says OCHA Brigade Enforced Governor Soludo’s Directive
Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Felix Odimegwu, has denied allegations that he ordered security personnel to assault illegal sand miners at Ebenator community. Reacting to the claims, Odimegwu clarified that neither he nor his ministry sent security operatives to the area.
Odimegwu stated that Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) acted in strict compliance to the directives of Governor Chukwuma Soludo against sand mining by sending their officers accompanied by officers of Anambra vigilante group to the illegal sand mining site.
Odimegwu used the opportunity to remind Anambra residents, particularly local government council chairmen, that sand mining across the state has been suspended indefinitely. He emphasized that anyone seeking to engage in sand mining must secure explicit approval from the governor.
“Erosion Threat in Ebenator”
Highlighting the precarious environmental situation in Ebenator, Odimegwu said, “The community’s landmass has been severely impacted by erosion. Two years ago, Governor Soludo approved the reclamation of a section of the erosion site, and plans for phase two are underway.”
He further explained that due to the loose nature of Anambra’s soil, the state government suspended all sand mining activities a few months ago and constituted a Sand Mining Reform Committee. “The committee scrutinizes all applications for sand mining and submits recommendations to the Governor, who has the final authority to grant approval,” he stated.
Details of the Incident
According to Odimegwu, OCHA Brigade personnel acted within their mandate by stopping individuals engaging in illegal sand mining at Ebenator. He added, “Some individuals locked the entrance gate against the AVG officers, forcing them to break the barricade to gain access. The situation is now fully under control, and there is no cause for alarm.”
The Commissioner urged residents to adhere strictly to government directives, stressing that non-compliance with the ban poses environmental risks to communities already vulnerable to erosion.
This development comes as part of the Soludo administration’s efforts to protect the state’s environment and enforce sustainable practices in resource extraction.
