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By Madu Obi
The enforcement team of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA Brigade, has arrested and paraded 10 suspected illegal sand miners in Aguleri, Anambra East of the state.
The suspects were apprehended while allegedly engaging in illegal sand mining activities in a government-restricted area and were paraded at the OCHA Brigade headquarters in Awka.
While parading the suspects, the Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, stated that the area where they were arrested was sealed off months ago due to the illegal mining activities and dredging that posed serious environmental dangers.
He expressed surprise at why some individuals would continue to flout government orders and directives, stressing that the suspects will be charged to court.
He warned that all sealed sites must not be trespassed by anyone or any group, as ignorance is no excuse under the law.
According to Anere, a 10 km radius around the restricted area is protected from any sand mining or excavation activities, lamenting the losses the state had incurred from illegal sand mining activities.
The OCHA Brigade MD vowed that illegal sand miners anywhere in the state will not escape the long arm of the law, as his office has been strengthened to arrest and prosecute anyone found engaging in illegal activities.
He also stated that the enforcement exercise will continue with routine visits to identified mining sites in other parts of Anambra State.
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