Miners Call On Uzodimma To Take Action Against Illegal Mining In Imo

Prince Ugochukwu Onyenwenwa of the Imo State Chapter of the Nigerian Miners Association has expressed concern about illegal activities in the state’s mining industry, saying it could lead to an environmental disaster if not checked urgently.

He also warned of alleged threats to his life from several factors he said were opposed to his determination to wipe out the industry and reposition it for the greater good of the nation.

Onyenwenwa explained this while responding to protests from Nekede, Egbeada, Ihiagwa, and his Irete community leaders of the Owerri West Council of the province. .

The head of Imo MAN said that illegal mining activities are also causing serious environmental problems such as erosion of the canyon and severe flooding when it rains in the affected areas.

He said: “Areas like Umukoto, in Nekede Free Zone, at the back of old mechanics village in Aba road, Egbeada axis, behind Egbeada popular market, Umuezuriokam and Mbuoke, in Ihiagwa, are completely devastated because of illegal mining activities.”

He appealed to the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, and relevant authorities to intervene in the situation to save the state from imminent environmental collapse and continued loss of lives.

Regarding alleged threats to his life, Onyenwenwa urged security agencies to speed up investigation, following his petition on the matter already before them, and arrest perpetrators.

He said: “The outcry by affected communities are expected, because if you observe what is going on there by illegal miners, you will be forced to cry for this state.

“On our own part, we are trying our best to sanitize the industry, which is why some of the people behind the atrocious act are after my life. They want me dead by all means. But God will never allow them.

“The unfortunate aspect of it is that those doing this claim to have the backings of people, who are well placed in the state government, just as the community leaders alleged. They operate under the pretext of generating revenue for government.”