The crackdown on illegal mining activities in Rivers State intensified on Tuesday as the Executive Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Njoku, ordered the immediate suspension of all tipper drivers’ operations and activities at their parks across the council area.
The directive followed the death of an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who reportedly died while on surveillance duty alongside officials of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in Port Harcourt.
Njoku said the suspension of tipper operations became necessary pending investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the activities of operators linked to sand dredging and mining in the area.
The council chairman also directed officials of all tipper drivers’ and parks unions operating within Etche Local Government Area to report immediately to the Okehi Police Division.
According to him, the union leaders are expected to provide explanations regarding their possible roles, if any, in the incident.
They are also required to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported blockage of the Chokocho–Igwuruta Federal Highway, which disrupted vehicular movement and heightened tension within the axis.
Njoku warned that any union official who fails to comply with the directive would face the full weight of the law.
He reiterated the determination of the local government council to maintain law and order while investigations into thh incident continue.
It would be recalled that the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development had earlier banned sand dredging and mining activities along the Chokocho/Umuechem Road, Chokocho/Igbo Road, Okoroagu, Umuayagu and Egwi corridors.
The ban followed concerns over the negative environmental impact of mining activities on roads and host communities within the affected areas.
