NSCDC arrests four for illegal mining, building illegal gas plant in Ebonyi

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NSCDC arrests four for illegal mining, building illegal gas plant in Ebonyi

Four persons have been arrested by the Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for illegal mining and the erection of a gas plant.

The suspects were apprehended at a mining pit in Ameka, Ezza South Local Government Area, and in Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, both in the state.

The command raided the mining pit, arrested the suspects, sealed the site, and also stormed a gas plant at 135 Ezzamgbo, which was constructed within residential buildings and other structures, including churches and shops.

Francis Nnadi, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, who led the operation, told journalists at the scene of the arrests that the activities of the suspects were causing environmental hazards and posed a serious threat to lives.

He expressed concern about mining activities occurring in residential areas and the establishment of a gas plant in such an unsafe location.

Nnadi warned that the command would not tolerate any activity that endangers lives and vowed to prosecute the suspects.

He also noted that the suspects had not obtained the required licences from relevant agencies before engaging in mining and gas-related businesses.

“This is almost 2.8 tons of gas located in a residential area. These are residential buildings, and you can even see people cooking nearby.

“You can see children playing around, and there’s even a church beside this gas plant. We need to make the general public aware of the hazardous nature of this business. There are no requisite documents permitting this kind of operation in such an environment.

“I want to use this opportunity to warn the people of Ebonyi against such practices. Remember what happened in Los Angeles with the wildfire. This is even more hazardous and could engulf the entire community. The suspect is in our custody and will appear in court,” Nnadi said.

One of the suspects, Oge Dandy, claimed he was unaware that the gas plant was situated in a residential area. According to him, he resides in Plateau State and had given someone money to establish the plant on his behalf.

He stated that he was surprised to discover the plant’s location when he returned home last Christmas.

Oge admitted that he did not secure approval for the gas plant before it was constructed.