Abia government takes sudden action over activities at Osisioma river site

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The Commissioner for Environment in Abia State, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, has ordered the immediate suspension of sand dredging activities at the Umuadele River, Okpulo Umuobo, in Osisioma Local Government Area.

According to the state government, the suspension followed concerns over environmental degradation and allegations of illegal operations around the river.

The commissioner, who visited the dredging site during an unscheduled official inspection, directed all sand dredgers, tipper operators, and loaders operating at the location to report to the Ministry of Environment for proper verification of their operational status and documentation.

He condemned the rising rate of illegal dredging activities in the area, expressing concern that the environment had been badly degraded and devastated due to unregulated soil mining and sand dredging activities that had continued for more than a decade.

Ogbonna also emphasised the need for the dredging operators to align their activities with the policies of the Abia State Government.

He expressed concern that any further unregulated sand dredging at the site could worsen the already deteriorating situation.

Ogbonna explained that the visit was both an enforcement exercise and an appeal for cooperation, stressing that the government remains committed to restoring environmental sanity and ensuring compliance with environmental laws across all parts of the state.

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