Delta State has declared several illegal miners wanted over their involvement in unauthorized mining activities, especially those mining stones along the Ogbolu corridors in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.
The government warned that such activities pose serious environmental hazards, threaten public safety, and violate existing mining regulations.
Authorities have vowed to crack down on offenders, ensuring they face legal consequences for their actions.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, March 3, 2025, the state Commissioner for Rural and Riverine Roads, who also serves as the Commissioner for Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, condemned the activities of illegal miners, stating that they pose a serious threat to the development of areas designated for infrastructure projects.
He specifically cited Ugbolu in Oshimili North Local Government Area, where the state government is actively working on expansion efforts as part of the Asaba Capital Territory Development Plan.
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Hear him: “In addition to our efforts for human capital development, the Ugbolu heights, an area that we are bringing a map for development as part of the expansion of our urban renewal programmes in the capital territory.
“These miners are destroying the landscape of that height, digging too deep and destroying the whole of the topography of that environment.
“As from henceforth, any of such persons found engaged in such activities along that Ogbolu heights will be arrested because they are causing a lot of harm to the environment, and they are doing so without the permission of government.
“Even when they do realize that that place has been acquired by government for the purpose of advancing the development of the capital territory.
“So in that form, the Ogbolu heights is not for mining. It is hereby prohibited.”
