The Akwa Ibom government has arrested at least 12 people over illegal mining and sand dredging in the last four months.

The Commissioner for Environment, Charles Udoh, disclosed this to journalists in Uyo.

Mr. Udo said the suspects failed to comply with the regulations guiding mining and sand dredging in the state.

According to him, the suspects are already in court, while the state prosecution director has taken up their cases.

“We have arrested 12 illegal miners and dredgers in the last four months for failing to comply with regulations guiding mining and sand dredging in different parts of the state,” he said.

He added that the ministry of environment had inaugurated a joint site verification committee to evaluate, register and supervise mining and dredging activities in the state.

The commissioner added, “Though it is in the exclusive lists, the state government needs to regulate and control the activities of miners and dredgers since their licences are not fixed to any particular location.

“That is why we are involving all stakeholders, including those at the federal level so that we will not be seen as acting arbitrarily. Anyone who wants to dredge or mine in Akwa Ibom must have his or her site approved by this team.”

He regretted that dredgers and miners’ activities had led to the near-collapse of bridges and infrastructure in parts of the state, especially Uyo.

“Flood control outfall in Ibesikpo Asutan, where some houses are swallowed by erosion and gully were caused by such illegal activities. For instance, no dredging or mining is allowed within 500 metres of critical infrastructure on solid land, and dredging is not also allowed within 150 metres of the shoreline. This is to protect the state from erosion and flooding,” he explained.

(NAN)