Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has announced a ban on all mining activities in Owerri and its environs.
The order was announced by the state’s commissioner for petroleum and environment, Dr Ikechukwu Njoko, while speaking with journalists.
Uzodinma said the decision was necessary to preserve the environment against effects of erosion and flooding.
Uzodinma warned that anyone who engaged in any form of mining activity in Owerri municipal and its environs would face the full wrath of the law.
“We must protect our environment because if we don’t, nobody will do it for us,” he said.
Uzodinma said that indiscriminate mining activities could lead to environmental disaster such as erosion and building collapse among others.
He said the government was poised to ensure a sustainable environment through the implementation of environment-friendly policies and programmes.
Uzodinma expressed surprise that previous administrations in the state treated indiscriminate mining activities with levity.
He assured that the situation would not be allowed to continue as government had mapped out strategies to end such practices.
