Twenty-people have been put on parade in Imo for involvement in illegal mining.
They were arrested in the wake of the state government’s directive to crack down on illegal miners in the state.
Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Danjuma Elisha, said the arrests were effected by a combined team involving the Military, Police and the Federal Road Safety Commission among others.
The suspects are yet to be profiled before arraignment in court/
“We are here to work and we must carry out the governor’s directive to its fullest by ensuring that the environment is safe for all.
“Illegal mining is impacting negatively on the lives of people in Imo.
“It is one of the causes of landslide and heavy flooding, so we will not allow it to happen again,” he said.
Kelechi Nwokocha, one of the suspects, who pleaded for forgiveness, also told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he was in the business for seven years.
“I was arrested at Worie River at Nekede Old Road.
“I am aware that we are doing illegal business and our mining activities are impacting negatively on the environment.
“If I am given a second chance, I will not go back to illegal mining again,” he said.
(NAN)
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