Kehinde Fajobi
Felix Odimegwu, Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, has refuted claims that he ordered security personnel to shoot and beat illegal sand miners in Ebenator, Nnewi South Local Government Area.
In a statement on Monday, Odimegwu addressed online reports alleging that he instructed operatives from the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) to use force against miners at a sand mining site in the แปfara Ime River, Ebenator, last Tuesday.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with accusations directed at Odimegwu and his ministry. Victims claimed that state government operatives were sent to carry out the operation, but the commissioner clarified that neither he nor his ministry was involved.
Odimegwu explained that the OCHA Brigadeโs action was in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludoโs directive to combat illegal sand mining. He added that the task force, accompanied by Anambra vigilante officers, was sent by the governor to the site in response to reported illegal activity, not by his ministry.
The commissioner also reiterated that sand mining in the state had been suspended by Governor Soludo due to the erosion-prone nature of Anambraโs soil.
He emphasised that any future mining operations must obtain approval from the governor through a formal process.
Odimegwu said, โI did not send security operatives to shoot sand miners in the Ebenator community. The communityโs landmass is ravaged by serious erosion.
โTwo years ago, Soludo approved the control and reclamation of a section of the erosion, and the government is working to further approve the control and mitigation of phase two.โ
He concluded by stating that the situation in Ebenator was now under control and that there was no cause for alarm.