Emma Elekwa
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).
The groups took the protest to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Area Office, Onitsha.
They appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently intervene in the matter.
They alleged that operatives of OCHA Brigade regularly disrupt their business activities despite that they operate within federal government jurisdictions.
President-General, Anambra State Sand Miners Association, Christopher Mbaegbu said the protest was to formally complain to NIWA.
He described NIWA as their “landlord,” over continued harassment of his members in the area.
According to him, intimidation by OCHA Brigade operatives force sand miners and tipper drivers to flee their business locations daily.
He decried the recent alleged seizure of more than 20 tipper trucks, pay loaders and other equipment by the OCHA Brigade who took them to Upper Iweka flyover.
Mbaegbu said, “I don’t understand why Anambra State should be different from other states in Nigeria.
“Just last Friday, they impounded over 20 trucks, seized our equipment, and arrested more than 21 workers.
Among them are drivers and even women carrying babies. They detained them for two days.
“We spent over ₦1 million before they released them. The arrests took place within areas approved by NIWA for sand mining activities.
Mbaegbu queried whether his members are to comply with federal or state authorities.
He explained that NIWA and Federal Ministry of Mines had already issued them valid permits.
“If the documents by NIWA and the Ministry of Mines are not relevant, they should tell us. We’ll now who to follow.
“Every day 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.
Further allegations
The PG further alleged that OCHA Brigade operatives often seize tipper trucks with sand and hold them for over a week.
Detainees reportedly pay between ₦200,000 and ₦300,000 per person before they released them.
“We want the governor to see what we are going through and intervene.
“We have licences and met all requirements before NIWA and the Ministry of Mines approved our operations.
“Why then is the Anambra State Government preventing us from doing our lawful business?” he said.
Mbaegbu disclosed that the association had written several letters to the 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.
Responding, 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.
Several previous letters
He stated that NIWA had written several letters to the Anambra State Attorney-General, Commissioner for Justice, Ocha Brigade, and even the State House of Assembly.
Nwaokeocha said he personally reported the matter to the Speaker of the Assembly.
“I do not understand why they are harassing people who have due permits by appropriate authorities.
“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.
He called on the governor to urgently call his state actors to order.
NIWA boss disclosed that the matter has been reported to NIWA headquarters in Abuja.
He promised to personally submit petitions and supporting documents following week.
Reacting, Managing Director, OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere denied allegations of harassment and extortion.
He insisted that operators must register with the State Government before operating.
According to him, although sand mining sites may fall under federal jurisdiction, the operators still use 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.
