Illegal Mining Sparks Environmental Alarm In Anambra As Government Launches Investigation
Illegal mining activities along the Trans Nkisi and Trans Ekesi corridor in Anambra State have triggered fresh environmental concerns, with the State Government launching an investigation into the operations following reports of severe land degradation, erosion threats, and possible violations of environmental regulations.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi, raised the alarm during an inspection of the mining site, describing the level of environmental degradation as disturbing and said the government would determine whether the mining activities were approved by the appropriate authorities and whether the operators complied with environmental laws and land reclamation requirements.
According to the Commissioner, preliminary findings indicate that the excavation is taking place on private land under the supervision of an individual, a claim that is now under investigation and also expressed concern over a structure allegedly erected within a natural water channel, warning that the diversion of water flow could worsen flooding, erosion, and other ecological disasters.
Dr Aguiyi noted that large portions of land have already become unstable due to extensive excavation, while more than 60 persons were seen carrying out stone mining at the site, assuring residents that the Ministry of Environment would thoroughly investigate the activities and take appropriate action against anyone found to have violated environmental laws.
The inspection followed growing complaints from residents of the Trans Nkisi community, who say the continued excavation has left the area vulnerable to devastating gully erosion.
Resident of Trans Nkisi, Chief Onyebuchi Ndulue, appealed to the Anambra State Government to urgently intervene, insisting that the community lacks the capacity to tackle the environmental damage caused by the mining activities and said previous excavations in the area had resulted in severe erosion that eventually required government intervention, warning that similar environmental disasters could occur again if the current operations continue unchecked.
Chief Ndulue also alleged that illegal mining has spread across several locations along the Trans Nkisi river corridor, including the Nnakwense River axis, posing increasing threats to lives, property, and public infrastructure.
