Tipper drivers, sand miners protest harassment, extortion in Onitsha
Tipper drivers and sand miners operating in Anambra State have protested what they described as persistent intimidation, harassment and extortion by operatives of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade).
- Group seeks Soludo’s intervention
- From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha
Tipper drivers and sand miners operating in Anambra State have protested what they described as persistent intimidation, harassment and extortion by operatives of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade).
Members of the group, who took the protest to National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Area Office, Onitsha, appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene.
They alleged that operatives of OCHA Brigade regularly disrupted their legitimate business activities despite that their operations were within Federal Government approved jurisdictions.
Speaking during the protest, President-General, Anambra State Sand Miners Association, Christopher Mbaegbu, said the protest was to formally complain to NIWA, which he described as their “landlord,” over continued harassment of his members in the area.
He said sand miners and tipper drivers were forced to flee their business locations daily due to alleged intimidation by OCHA Brigade operatives.
Narrating a recent incident where more than 20 tipper trucks, pay loaders and other equipment were allegedly seized by OCHA Brigade and taken to Upper Iweka flyover, Mbaegbu said: “I don’t understand why Anambra State should be different from other states in Nigeria.
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“Just last Friday, they impounded over 20 trucks, seized our equipment and apprehended more than 21 workers, including drivers and even women carrying babies.
“They detained them for two days, and we spent over N1 million before they were released. The arrests took place within areas approved by NIWA for sand mining activities.’’
Wondering how long they would suffer such treatment, Mbaegbu queried whether his members were expected to comply with federal or state authorities, noting that NIWA and Ministry of Mines had issued them valid permits.
“If the documents given to us by NIWA and Ministry of Mines are not relevant, they should tell us so we can know who to follow.
“Everyday we are on the run. Our customers have been chased away. Even if miners have done something wrong, what offence have tipper drivers committed?” he asked.
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The president general further alleged that tipper trucks loaded with sand were often seized and held for over a week, while detainees were reportedly released only after paying between N200,000 and N300,000 per person.
“We want the governor to know what we are going through and intervene. We have licences. We met all requirements before NIWA and Ministry of Mines approved our operations. Why then is Anambra State Government preventing us from doing our lawful business?” he said.
Mbaegbu said the association had written letters to Anambra State Government, seeking guidance on how to operate legally without harassment, but received no response.
“If you meet the Managing Director of Ocha Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, he will tell you that it is Prof. Charles Oforegbu who will release our vehicles. We do not even know our offence. We want the governor to tell us what our sins are,” he added.
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NIWA Area Manager, Sir Victor Nwaokeocha, expressed concern that the governor had allegedly allowed state actors to act irresponsibly toward taxpayers for years without checks.
He said NIWA had written letters to Anambra State Attorney-General, Commissioner for Justice, Ocha Brigade and even the House of Assembly.
He said he personally reported the matter to the speaker of the assembly.
“I do not understand why people duly issued permits by appropriate authorities are being harassed. NIWA is a federal agency under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with exclusive authority over inland waterways. There is even a Supreme Court judgment in NIWA’s favour,” he said.
Nwaokeocha cited Section 13(2) of the NIWA Act, which prohibits any person or state authority from obstructing waterways or engaging in sand, gravel, or stone extraction without NIWA approval.
Calling on the governor to urgently call his state actors to order, NIWA boss disclosed that the matter had been reported to NIWA headquarters in Abuja and that he would personally submit petitions and supporting documents.
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Managing Director, OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, denied allegations of harassment and extortion, insisting that operators must register with the state government before operating.
He said although sand mining sites might fall under federal jurisdiction, the operators still used state roads and must comply with state regulations.
“We have told them repeatedly that they must register with the state. Anyone without state approval should not mine or carry sand.
“Tipper drivers damage state roads by spilling sand and water. Go to Marine Road and other areas; you will see the destruction caused. Our concern is regulation. They must obtain state-approved licences to operate,” he stressed.
A group, Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSoNeT), has expressed concern about the growing tension in Onitsha, following the sand miners and tipper drivers’ protest over the confiscation of equipment, impoundment of vehicles and arrests allegedly carried out by OCHA Brigade without involvement of the police and other relevant regulatory bodies.
Chairman, Prince Chris Azor, in a statement said the group was particularly worried over breakdown of coordination among government institutions, adding that regulation necessary to protect public infrastructure and environment must be carried out with transparency, due process and respect for lawful operators.
He, however, called for urgent intervention of Governor Soludo, including convening a dialogue with concerned parties as well as relevant state and federal agencies to resolve the issues, clarify mandates and agree on fair and lawful operational processes.
