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Tensions has escalated in Amumaraokahia Village, Ezinihitte Mbaise L.G.A, Imo State after Mr. Emeka Akwarandu, Chairman of the Adakam Amumara Dredging Committee, reported receiving threatening calls from an individual claiming to be a Federal Ministry of Mines official.
This is also as the community has been having a running conflict with illegal sand miners they accuse of environmental destruction and flouting of regulatory protocols.
According to a statement issued by Uzoma Akwarandu, President General of Amumaraokahia Village, the caller identified himself as Chukwudi Mmakaogu (phone number: 0806 679 3172) and allegedly threatened retaliation against Emeka Akwarandu and his task force. The threat followed the task force’s efforts to enforce a village resolution suspending all dredging activities at Amumaraokahia rivers until operators comply with legal requirements, including environmental impact assessments, community development agreements, and settlement of outstanding debts to the village.
The dispute stems from years of unregulated sand mining by operators accused of damaging local ecosystems, destroying road networks, and exploiting resources without community consent.
In December 2024, Amumaraokahia Village convened a joint meeting of residents and diaspora members, resolving to halt dredging until compliance with the Mining Act is achieved. The Ezinihitte Mbaise L.G.A Council Chairman echoed this directive in an official letter to miners, but in defiance, operations reportedly continued unabated.
“These illegal miners have shown contempt for our community and our laws,” Uzoma Akwarandu stated. “Their actions have left our environment in ruins, and we will no longer tolerate it.”
The village’s task force, mandated to enforce the suspension, began operations this week.
During the said phone call, Mmakaogu reportedly defended a particular miner named Chibuenyi, asserting federal ownership of the river and claiming Chibuenyi holds a valid license. Village leaders, however, argue that even licensed operators must adhere to the Mining Act, which mandates engagement with host communities.
“Why has Chibuenyi repeatedly ignored invitations to present his license or discuss a community agreement?” questioned Akwarandu. “Mmakaogu’s defense of him exposes a troubling alliance.”
Against this backdrop, Amumaraokahia leaders have formally alerted the Federal Ministry of Mines and Imo State security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, urging investigations into both illegal mining activities and Mmakaogu’s credentials. Notably, Mmakaogu allegedly dismissed the authority of local government and security agencies, vowing to deal with Akwarandu and his team.
The village’s complaint emphasizes the legal right of host communities and local governments to regulate mining under the Mining Act. “We are not against development, but it must be lawful and sustainable,” Akwarandu stressed.
