Nsit Ubium TRC Warns Against Dredging, Sand Mining In the Area
Traditional rulers in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have warned persons or companies engaging in illegal dredging or sand mining to stay away from the area or face the wrath of the law.
The royal fathers, speaking under the auspices of Nsit Ubium Traditional Rulers’ Council, made up of the Paramount Ruler, Clan Heads, Village Heads and Family Heads, said in a statement that on Thursday, December 10, 2020 that they will not tolerate or welcome any of such activity in any part of their land.
The statement signed by the Paramount ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, who is also the Oku Ibom Ibibio and Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs, His Eminence, Nteyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk said any breach of their resolution will meet with severe sanctions.
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The statement reads, “It has come to the notice of Nsit Ubium Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) that some persons, either acting for themselves or others and perhaps as a company, have infiltrated our local government area to carry out illegal sand mining and other forms of dredging activities.
“A particular case in point is the one at Ikot Ntung Village in Ubium Clan, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. The sand miners went into the community to illegally harvest sharp sand and other materials from the stream in the village. This is totally unacceptable and we have issued a traditional injunction to restrain them, their agents or whosoever, from engaging in such acts anymore in our land.
“As a council, we will not tolerate the flouting of this resolution because such action may lead to crises, unrest and communal strives. Let them cease forthwith from illegal mining and dredging in Ikot Ntung village, Ubium Clan or any parts of our area.
According to the TRC, those interested in serious sand mining and dredging should go to the sea, insisting that they should not destroy streams which serve as the only source of water to our people. It stated, “Needless to say that apart from possible environmental hazards that such sand mining or dredging may subsequently cause, such activities would lead to the destruction of their streams, will still remain the main sources of water for villagers in the rural areas; for both farming and domestic needs.
“Also, sand mining or dredging may pose a threat to aquatic life in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area as our streams will be destroyed.
“It is in consideration of all these factors that we have decided to warn against such activities as a matter of urgency. As known, our people are peace loving who engage in largely in farming and other lawful activities.”
The royal fathers, however, advised the miners to always follow proper procedures in executing their activities.
The TRC also advised relevant agencies and ministries to ensure that foolproof Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and proper documentation are carried out before a miner; mining or dredging company are licensed to operate.
