Enugu Govt Issues Final Warning To Communities Over Sand Mining

The Enugu State Government has issued a final warning to Akwuke, Akwuke Uwani, and Attakwu communities to immediately halt all sand and gravel excavation activities along the Nyama River.

This directive was contained in a letter delivered to the concerned communities by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu.

He was accompanied by the Chairmen of Enugu South and Nkanu West Local Government Areas, Hon. Caleb Ani and Hon. John Ogbodo, respectively.

Prof. Sam Ugwu, during the presentation of the letter to concerned leaders

Presenting the letters to the traditional rulers, youth leaders, and presidents-general of the affected communities, Prof. Ugwu appealed for their cooperation in ensuring full compliance with Governor Peter Mbah’s directives.

He emphasized that the current administration has good intentions for the people, as demonstrated by several developmental projects spread across the state.

Prof. Ugwu stated that the government had earlier informed the communities of its plan to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Nyama River. He explained that this process required a complete halt to all sand and gravel excavation activities in the area.

Hon. Samuel Okoro, Special Adviser to the Governor on Mining and Solid Minerals, who was part of the delegation, reiterated the government’s readiness to transform the site into a major tourism destination.

He urged the communities to partner with the state to ensure the project is not sabotaged by individual actions.

The commissioner urged the community leaders to sensitize their people and support the government’s vision. He warned that anyone who defies the directive will face serious consequences.

The warning letter read in part: “…Government has already designated the site as a Tourist Centre. Any person found still mining sand and gravel at the site will be arrested and prosecuted in a law court, and any vehicle or truck involved will be impounded and later auctioned.”

Appealing to the communities, Enugu South LG Chairman, Hon. Caleb Ani, urged community leaders, youths, and town union executives to understand the importance of the directive.

He noted that any further excavation would delay the EIA, which must be completed before development of the tourism centre can begin.

He highlighted the ongoing Umuatugboma-Amagu-Attakwu road construction, adding that the communities would be the first beneficiaries of the tourism project.

He emphasized that, upon completion, the tourist centre would create job opportunities for thousands of youths in Akwuke, Akwuke Uwani, and Attakwu.

Enugu South Council Chairman, Hon. Caleb Ani during the engagement.

Nkanu West LGA Council Chairman, Hon. John Ogbodo

The President of the Enugu State Tipper Union, Mr. Nnamdi Onyeke, also addressed the gathering, urging his members to heed the government’s final warning.

He advised them to seek alternative sources of sand and gravel and assured the government of the union’s willingness to comply with the directive, stressing that the community stands to benefit from the project in the long run.

In their separate remarks, the President General of Attakwu Town Union, Chief Ikechukwu Edeh, and other community leaders — Chief Job Ugwu, Chief Adolphus Odogwu, and Chief Agbo Nwoko — expressed concern over what they described as insufficient information about the project. They emphasized the need for proper communication and due process in all government activities involving community land.

Nonetheless, they pledged their loyalty to the government and requested more time to consult with their people.

Enugu South LGA Media