Abia arrests 86, warns against dumping refuse in drainages

The Abia State Government has arrested 86 individuals for littering in drainages and waterways, issuing a stern warning against such actions. Of the 86 arrests, 71 were from Umuahia, while 24 were released due to health concerns or as students. Six were given community service in Umuahia. In Aba, 15 individuals were tried and four were released due to health issues, with the rest facing penalties under environmental laws.

Commissioner for Environment Philemon Ogbonna cautioned residents that those caught littering will face severe consequences, emphasizing that despite government efforts to keep drainages clean through ASEPA and other agencies, some residents continue to defy the rule during rainfall. Ogbonna urged residents to take the monthly clean-up exercise seriously, stating that the weight of the law will fall heavily on those who ignore it.

In Aba, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, whose deputy was Mrs. Amarachi Goodluck, praised traders for their cooperation but criticized those who conducted business during the clean-up, calling it sabotage.