Delta state government Monday said it will crack down on those involved in illegal mining activities in the state.
The government warned those involved in illegal and unauthorised mining in the state, especially those mining stones in Ogbolu community in Oshimili North local government area of the state to desist from such activities or face the wrath of the law.
The Commissioner for Rural and Riverine Roads as well as the Commissioner for Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, vehemently condemned the activities of illegal miners, stating that they pose a serious threat to the development of areas designated for infrastructure projects.
He said the illegal mining activities pose serious environmental hazards, threaten public safety, and violate existing mining regulations.
He specifically mentioned Ugbolu community, where the state government is actively working on expansion efforts as part of the Asaba Capital Territory Development Plan.
He said: “In addition to our efforts for human capital development, the Ugbolu heights, is an area that we are bringing the map for development as part of the expansion of our urban renewal programs in the capital territory.
“These miners are destroying the landscape of that height, digging too deep and destroying the whole of the topography of that environment.”
“Henceforth, any of such persons found engaged in such activities along that Ogbolu heights will be arrested and tried because they are causing a lot of harm to the environment,” he said.
