The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has ordered the immediate shutdown of all mining activities within Owerri, the state capital.
This announcement was made on Tuesday, June 3, by the Commissioner for Industry, Mines, and Solid Minerals, Ernest Ibejiako, during a briefing at the Imo State Secretariat in Owerri.
Ibejiako warned both residents and miners that mining operations within the capital territory of Imo State would no longer be allowed. He explained that the ban is mainly due to concerns about health risks and environmental safety.
“Today marks the end of mining activity within the capital territory of the state,” he said.
He listed affected areas, including Army Barracks, Obinze, and other parts of Owerri West Local Government Area, and stressed that those who disobey the directive would face penalties.
“This is the governor’s directive, it will be executed to the latter,” he stated.
Ibejiako also revealed that the government had sent out monitoring teams across Owerri to ensure total enforcement of the ban. He said the monitors had been given the responsibility of making sure no mining activity continues in the city.
He added that any individual caught violating the ban would be prosecuted. According to him, the ban is aimed at protecting Owerri and its surroundings from serious environmental dangers linked to mining activities.
