The Abia State Ministry of Environment has issued a directive for an immediate halt to all sand dredging operations at the Umuadele River, located in the Okpulo Umuobo area of Osisioma Local Government Area. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, during an unannounced inspection of the site.
This decision comes as a response to mounting concerns over environmental damage and reports of unauthorized activities along the river. During his visit, the Commissioner instructed all individuals involved in sand dredging, including operators of tippers and loaders, to report to the Ministry for a thorough verification of their licenses and documentation.
Mr. Ogbonna expressed strong disapproval of the rising trend of illegal dredging in the region, noting that over a decade of unchecked soil mining and sand extraction has led to severe degradation of the area. He emphasized that continued unregulated dredging would only worsen the already critical situation.
The Commissioner underscored the need for sand dredgers to align their operations with state regulations. He described the visit as both an enforcement action and a call for voluntary compliance, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring environmental order and enforcing ecological laws across Abia State.