Pupils’ Lives At Risk Over Illegal Mining In Ebonyi Community

Ameka community, located in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, is rich in mineral resources such as zinc and lead, among others. Our correspondent who visited the community, writes on how illegal mining is affecting the area, including the only public primary school there, among other issues.

Ameka community in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State shares a common boundary with Ohankwu, in Ikwo Local Government Area and Enyigba in Abakiliki Local Government Area of the state.

The community, as well as its adjourning neighbours, is richly blessed with mineral resources such as zinc and lead which are sold in large quantities to potential buyers, mostly foreigners.

But not everyone in the community has the opportunity to trade with foreigners except few persons, mostly the stakeholders in the area.

Daily Trust on Sunday observed that 75 per cent of compounds in the area have a mining site or uncovered pits either in their residential premises, community land or other family lands elsewhere.

The high deposit of mineral resources, especially lead, in the area has made illegal mining a common practice among indigenes and has continued to pose an environmental hazard in the area.

Read More: https://dailytrust.com/pupils-lives-at-risk-over-illegal-mining-in-ebonyi-community

Ifah Sunday Ele
Ifah Sunday Ele
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