The Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma on Tuesday, June 3, ordered the shutdown of all the mining sites within the state capital city, Owerri.

This was disclosed by the Imo State Commissioner for Industry, Mines, and Solid Minerals, Ernest Ibejiako.

Ibejiako made the announcement at the Imo State Secretariat in Owerri.

He warned residents and miners operating in Imo State that all mining activities within the state’s capital will no longer be tolerated.

The commissioner cited health and environmental safety concerns as major reasons behind the decision of the state to ban mining activities in Owerri.

He said, “Today marks the end of mining activity within the capital territory of the state.”

Listing some of the areas affected to include Army Barracks, Obinze and other parts of Owerri West LGA, Ibejiako warned that sanctions would be meted against defaulters.

“This is the governor’s directive, it will be executed to the latter,” he said.

According to the commissioner, the state has also dispatched a team of monitors across Owerri.

Ibejiako said that the team of monitors would ensure complete compliance with the new directive from the governor.

He also said that the team have been saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the ban on mining is enforced.

He added that while anyone found violating the bee directive will be prosecuted, Ibejiako said the ban will help protect Owerri and its environs from undue environmental hazards posed by mining activities.