Residents of Umudimisii-Umuoru in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, have reportedly expressed growing fears over the threat posed by expanding gullies and alleged unregulated sand mining activities in the community.
The concern was raised at the weekend by the International Society for Civil Rights and Rule of Law, Intersociety, which petitioned the Anambra State Government to urgently halt the alleged mining activities and prevent further environmental damage.
In a petition addressed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo through the Commissioner for Environment, the group alleged that indiscriminate sand excavation had worsened erosion in the area, claiming that the environmental crisis had contributed to at least 10 deaths over the past decade, submerged dozens of buildings and exposed thousands of residents to danger.
Intersociety also warned that the expanding gullies were approaching the recently completed Obizi-Uga Water Scheme road and other major roads in the community.
The petition, signed by Intersociety Head, Emeka Umeagbalasi, alongside human rights lawyers Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam and Obianuju Joy Igboeli, said several homes in Umudimisii were located only a few metres from the alleged mining sites.
According to the organisation, continued excavation could further expose homes and public infrastructure to erosion, particularly given the vulnerability of communities within the Aguata-Orumba axis.
The group further alleged that some roads recently completed by the Soludo administration were at risk of damage from the activities, particularly due to the movement of heavy-duty trucks transporting sand from the affected sites.
It specifically mentioned the Nkwo-Obizi Road and the St. James-Ugwunwocha-Obizi Road Project in Uga, alleging that both roads were now vulnerable to damage as a result of the mining activities.
Beyond the environmental concerns, Intersociety said the alleged mining operations were also affecting economic activities and youth development in the community.
The organisation claimed that erosion had discouraged businesses from establishing in parts of Umudimisii, while the quick financial returns associated with sand mining were allegedly discouraging some youths from learning trades and acquiring sustainable skills.
It warned that prolonged unemployment and the absence of sustainable opportunities could expose young people to crime, violence and other social problems.
Intersociety further alleged that sand mining had become a source of tension in Umudimisii Quarter, Umuoru Village and Uga generally, and called for an investigation into individuals and interests allegedly involved in the activities.
The group urged the state government to conduct an immediate on-the-spot assessment of the affected erosion sites and determine urgent measures to contain the damage.
It also called for an investigation into the mining operations, including the alleged involvement of government officials, private individuals, companies and their associates, with appropriate legal action against anyone found to have violated environmental or mining laws.
The organisation further urged authorities to determine whether the mining activities complied with relevant Community Development Agreements and Environmental Impact Assessment requirements.
It warned that unresolved disputes over mineral exploitation could create further social tension and expose the area to youth militancy, banditry and other forms of criminality.
Responding to the petition, the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Myclem Aguiyi, assured the group that the government would examine the concerns raised.
Aguiyi described the alleged ongoing mining activities in Uga as illegal, adding that the state’s Mining Reform Committee had previously taken steps to stop mining in the area.
The Commissioner’s response signals possible renewed government action as residents and advocacy groups continue to raise concerns over erosion, environmental degradation and the safety of homes and infrastructure in Uga.
