Illegal Mining Threatens Trans Nkisi as Anambra Government Launches Probe
By Chibuzo Obidike
Fresh concerns have emerged over the environmental impact of suspected illegal mining activities along the Trans Nkisi and Trans Ekesi corridor in Anambra State, prompting the state government to launch an investigation into the operations.
The move followed reports of extensive land degradation, increasing erosion risks, and possible violations of environmental regulations in the affected communities.
During an inspection of the site, the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, described the scale of environmental destruction as alarming. He said the government would determine whether the mining operations were duly approved by the appropriate authorities and whether the operators complied with environmental protection and land reclamation requirements.
The commissioner disclosed that preliminary findings suggest the excavation is being carried out on private land under the supervision of an individual, a claim that is now under investigation. He also raised concerns over a structure allegedly erected within a natural water channel, warning that altering the course of water could trigger severe flooding, accelerate gully erosion, and cause long term ecological damage.
Dr. Aguiyi noted that large portions of land have already become unstable due to extensive excavation, while more than 60 people were observed carrying out stone mining at the site. He assured residents that the Ministry of Environment would conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action against anyone found to have violated environmental laws.
The government’s intervention follows repeated complaints from residents of Trans Nkisi, who fear that the continued mining activities could expose the community to another round of devastating erosion.
A resident and Chairman of the Trans Nkisi Landlords Association, Chief Onyebuchi Ndulue, appealed to the state government to urgently halt the environmental degradation, noting that previous excavation activities in the area had left behind massive erosion that only government intervention could address.
He alleged that the mining activities have spread across several locations along the Trans Nkisi river corridor, including the Nnakwense River axis, posing growing threats to lives, homes, public infrastructure, and the environment.
As concerns mount, residents are urging the government to act swiftly by determining the legality of the mining operations, enforcing environmental regulations, and ensuring that those responsible for any environmental violations are held accountable.
The investigation is expected to establish whether the mining activities comply with existing laws and what measures will be taken to restore and protect the affected environment.
