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The Kogi Government has warned Tipper drivers, truck owners and contractors against indiscriminate excavation of sand across the 21 local government areas of the State.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, gave the warning at a sensitisation program on illegal mining, organised by the ministry on Thursday in Ogugu, Olamaboro LGA.
The commissioner, who was represented by Mrs Atinuke Onimode, Director of Mineral Resources, said that the sensitisation campaign had become imperative to educate people on the adverse effects of sand excavation and other mining activities on the environment.
“The miners already caused land degradation and gully erosion in those mining sites and their environs because our terrain is very soft and the land is easily washed away by running water.
“It is better to guide what we have now jealously for the benefits of our future generations than losing them and begin to search for solutions; ‘prevention is better than cure’.
“We urge you to make sure you are duly registered with government and have your documents with you. You can excavate sand from river channels or deep in the forest authorised by the government.
“We must follow the law if we really want things to change. It is our responsibility to take appropriate steps in ensuring the safety of our people and the environments,” She said.
Osikoya added that the ignorance of the law will not be tenable and promised severe sanctions against anyone caught in illegal sand excavation and other mining activities in the state.
The commissioner, however, urged the traditional rulers, community leaders and land owners to demand for infrastructures from miners that would benefit their people, rather than collecting money that would finish.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three trucks loaded with sand that were arrested and impounded for over 4 months by the ministry, were released from police station after the owners signed an undertaken never to indulge in indiscriminate sand excavation.
The Ochogu of Ogugu, Chief Michael Salifu, expressed gratitude to the government for granting his request to release the three trucks, saying the commissioner has brought joy to him and this people.
The monarch also commended the state governor for his good work and good intentions towards his people and the state at large, promising that his people would continue to give government the needed support and cooperations.
Mr Elemona Anyanbe, Ogugu Community Leader, assured the government that they would persuade the tipper drivers and owners to make use of the river bed as an alternative for sand excavation.
According to him, excavating sand from the river bed would not only benefit the people but it would also help the community to desilt the river channels for free flow of water to prevent flooding.
Mr Awuse Mayor, former Vice Chairman, Olamaboro LGA, who spoke on behalf of the tipper drivers association, thanked the commissioner for the release of their trucks and promised to obey government’s directive on sand excavation.
Credits: Stephen Adeleye | NAN
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