In Amakor village located in Nanka, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, the residents are facing severe erosion issues due to ongoing sand mining activities.
The village leaders, represented by Amakor Njikoka Development Union, have raised concerns about the traditional ruler and president general of Nanka community, Igwe Godwin Ezilo and Rev. Can. Ifeanyi Ezike, accusing them of being involved in the sand excavation.
This outcry follows the recent ban on sand excavation in the community by Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo.
According to the community, the environmental degradation caused by the sand mining activities led by the traditional ruler is seen as a form of marginalization against Amakor by the Nanka community leaders.
The residents had initially tried to restrict access to their village by installing a gate, but it was forcibly removed to enable the illegal sand mining operations at the Agulu-Nanka-Oko Erosion Site, Amako section, to continue unchecked.
Mr. Obinna llo, the village Chairman, intervened to pacify the angered residents when the gates were tampered with, allowing the illegal sand miners to further damage the already degraded stream beach.
Highlighting the historical marginalization by the Nanka leaders, the community mentioned being unjustly prevented from appointing the traditional prime minister of the community, a position they rightfully deserved.
Allegations were also made against attempts to establish an alternative leadership structure in Amakor by a faction loyal to the Nanka leaders, aiming to exploit illegal sand mining for environmental harm.
The community is urging the governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to intervene by instituting an impartial panel or Commission of Inquiry to address their grievances, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the rights of the vulnerable in society.
Responding to inquiries, President General Mr. Ifeanyi Ezeike mentioned receiving reports that the illegal sand excavators originate from the neighboring Oko community.
He stated, “I have contacted the President General of Oko community to investigate and prevent their people from engaging in these activities here. The allegations linking me to the sand mining activities in Amakor are politically motivated.”