The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odimegwu, has refuted claims that he instructed security personnel to shoot or assault illegal sand miners in the Ebenator community of Nnewi South Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Monday, Odimegwu responded to online reports alleging that he directed operatives of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) to engage in violent actions against the miners. The supposed incident occurred at a sand mining site along the Ọfara Ime River in Ebenator last Tuesday and has sparked significant public concern regarding the actions of state government operatives.
Accusations were leveled against Odimegwu and officials from his ministry, with victims alleging that government task force members were sent to the site for the operation. However, the commissioner emphasized that neither he nor his ministry authorized any security operatives to take such actions in the community.
Odimegwu clarified that the OCHA Brigade acted in accordance with directives from Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who has mandated a ban on unauthorized sand mining activities. He noted that the brigade, together with members of the Anambra vigilante group, was dispatched to the site to enforce this directive.
He reminded residents, particularly local government chairmen, that all sand mining activities in Anambra State have been suspended, and any person wishing to mine sand must obtain proper approval from the governor.
Odimegwu stated, “I did not order security operatives to shoot at sand miners in the Ebenator community. The land in this area is severely affected by erosion.”
He added that two years ago, Governor Soludo approved measures to control and reclaim areas suffering from erosion in the community, and further efforts are underway to address ongoing issues.
“Due to the unstable nature of Anambra’s soil, the governor suspended all sand mining activities statewide a few months ago and established a sand mining reform committee to oversee the approval process. Anyone wishing to mine sand must undergo thorough scrutiny by this committee, which will then report to the governor for final approval.”
Regarding the recent incident, Odimegwu explained that the AVG personnel were attempting to stop illegal mining when some individuals obstructed their access. He confirmed that the situation is now under control and urged the public not to be alarmed.