Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, Abia's environment commissioner, has halted all sand dredging at Umuadele River in Osisioma local government area. The order came after reports of illegal operations and severe environmental damage.
Ogbonna made an unannounced inspection of the dredging site at Okpulo Umuobo on Wednesday. He found extensive degradation from over a decade of unregulated mining and extraction work.
At the site, he instructed all operators to report to the Ministry of Environment immediately. They must bring documentation proving their legal status and operational permits.
"The area has been devastated," Ogbonna told reporters present at the location. He warned that continued illegal dredging would only worsen the situation.
According to him, the operation serves two purposes at once. It's both an enforcement action and a call for the dredgers to work with government authorities.
Ogbonna stressed that operators must align their activities with state regulations. He noted that Abia remains committed to restoring environmental health across all communities.
The commissioner emphasised that his office will ensure strict compliance with environmental laws statewide. Officials say the suspension will remain in effect until proper verification is completed.
