The governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma has ordered the immediate closure of all mining operations within Owerri, the state capital.
He issued the directive on Tuesday, June 3, through the Commissioner for Industry, Mines, and Solid Minerals, Mr. Ernest Ibejiako.
The commissioner during a press briefing at the Imo State Secretariat in Owerri, said the governor’s decision stems from growing concerns over the environmental impact, public safety, and the unauthorized exploitation of natural resources in and around the capital city.
“All mining activities within Owerri are henceforth banned. Anyone found violating this directive will face the full weight of the law,” Ibejiako said.
The commissioner cited health and environmental safety concerns as major reasons behind the decision of the state to ban mining activities in Owerri.
He said: “Today marks the end of mining activity within the capital territory of the state.”
While listing some of the areas affected to include Army Barracks, Obinze and other parts of Owerri West LGA, Ibejiako warned that sanctions would be meted against defaulters.
“This is the governor’s directive, it will be executed to the latter,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the state has also dispatched a team of monitors across Owerri.
Ibejiako said that the team of monitors would ensure complete compliance with the new directive from the governor.
He also said that the team have been charged with the task of ensuring that the ban on mining is enforced.
He added that while anyone found violating the directive will be prosecuted, Ibejiako added that the ban will help protect Owerri and its environs from undue environmental hazards posed by mining activities.