Residents of Amaibo Nguru in Nguru-Umuowa community of Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest against illegal mining operations in their community.
The protest, which took place amid tight security, saw demonstrators marching around the mining scene in their community and later converged at the same place.
The protesters who were made up of women, youths, and men were seen chanting solidarity and protest songs carrying placards with inscription like “We say NO to land degradation in Amaibo Nguru “,
“Amaibo Nguru in unison say NO to borrow-pit mining in our community.”
They claimed that illegal mining activities have caused pollution and environmental damage to their community, posing a serious danger to their lives and property. They said they are now living in fear over the activities of illegal miners in their area.
Community leaders and key stakeholders raised alarm over severe environmental damage and security threats arising from the illegal mining activities in their community, warning that such action should stop.
The President General of Nguru Umuaro development union, Mr Peter Okereafor condemned the activities of illegal miners in their community and called for government intervention.
” We are here to call for government attention on the activities of miners in our community. Our environment has become devastated and hideout for criminal elements. “
The Congress chairman of the Amaibo Nguru community,
Pastor Bekee Okereafor said mining operation has caused severe damage to their community despite order by ministry of Environment to stop all mining activities in their community
” we are protesting against the activities of illegal miners which have caused serious damage to our community”
Others who spoke to our correspondent condemned the mining activities in Amaibo Nguru and called on government to intervene.
Amaibo Nguru is predominantly a farming community in Nguru-Umuowa Autonomous community in Ngor Okpala local government area of Imo State. The town is blessed with abundant and rich mineral resources and arable lands , but unfortunately, illegal mining operation in the area is posing a serious and significant threat to their very existence.
