The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ebonyi State has cracked down on illegal mining activities and unsafe gas plant operations, arresting four individuals in the process.
The arrests were made during a raid on a mining site in Ameka, Ezza South Local Government Area, and a gas plant located in Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area. The gas plant, dangerously situated within a residential area surrounded by churches and shops, was immediately sealed off by the command.
Speaking at the scene, Francis Nnadi, the NSCDC State Commandant, condemned the activities, highlighting their severe environmental and safety risks. He expressed shock at the hazardous location of the gas plant and the potential danger to residents.
“This gas plant is situated in a densely populated area with residential buildings, shops, and even a church nearby. Children play around here, and people cook close to this plant,” Nnadi said. “The activities here are a disaster waiting to happen, and we cannot allow this to continue.”
The command revealed that the suspects lacked proper licenses to operate the mining site and gas plant. Nnadi emphasized that the NSCDC would ensure they are prosecuted to deter others from engaging in such unsafe and illegal practices.
One of the suspects, Oge Dandy, admitted that he did not secure the necessary approvals before establishing the gas plant. He claimed ignorance of the plant’s location, stating that he had entrusted someone to set it up while he was in Plateau State.
yThe NSCDC urged residents of Ebonyi State to report similar hazardous operations, warning that such negligence could lead to catastrophic outcomes if not addressed promptly.
