Abia arrests 86, warns against dumping refuse in drainages

On Saturday, the Abia State Government arrested 86 individuals for improper disposal of waste inside drainages and waterways. The arrests were concentrated in the Umuahia area, where 71 people were taken into custody, while 24 others were released due to health reasons and being students. Six individuals were ordered to perform community service in Umuahia.

In Aba, the Sanitary Mobile Court attempted 15 cases of refuse dumping, releasing four individuals based on health grounds, while others were fined according to environmental law. After the operation, the state Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, cautioned residents against dumping waste in drainage systems, warning that offenders would face severe penalties.

He attributed recent flooding to blocked drainages caused by indiscriminate waste disposal. The government, through ASEPA and other agencies, is working non-stop to keep drains open, but residents continue to defy regulations. Ogbonna urged Abians to participate in monthly clean-up exercises seriously, emphasizing that the goal is to benefit everyone, not just the government.

In Aba, the Commissioner for Environment commended traders for their cooperation and criticized those who continued business during the clean-up, calling it sabotage. He urged residents to abide by government policies aimed at improving lives and noted the persistent defiance during clean-up activities.