Four persons have been arrested by the Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for illegal mining and the erection of a gas plant.
The suspects were apprehended at a mining pit in Ameka, Ezza South Local Government Area, and in Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, both in the state.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Francis Nnadi who led the operation, disclosed to journalists on Tuesday of the arrests while highlighting that the suspects were causing environmental hazards and posed a serious threat to lives.
He added that the command raided the mining pit, arrested the suspects, sealed the site, and also stormed a gas plant, which was constructed within residential buildings and other structures, including churches and shops.
Nnadi expressed concern about mining activities occurring in residential areas and the establishment of a gas plant in such an unsafe location.