Angered by the catastrophic effects on the environment of the capital city and environs, the Imo State Government has banned all forms of mining activities in Owerri and environs.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the Commissioner for Petroleum and Environment, Dr. Ikechukwu Njoku, Bright Eleagu, and made available to The Guardian yesterday. The commissioner on behalf of the State Government gave the directive during a meeting with the stakeholders in the mining sector, held at the Imo Youth Centre, Owerri.
According to the statement, the measure was aimed at safeguarding the environment, noting that all those involved prior to the order must not violate it, else, will face the music accordingly. He expressed disgust over the environmental degradation the municipality has witnessed prior to the ban.
Venting their voices, the Federal Mines and Steels Development Officer in the state, Olugbenga Fadere and the Special Adviser on Security to the Imo State Governor, Dan Okoro who condemned the act, promised to enforce and work in synergy with the Ministry of Petroleum and Environment.
