•Rivers council boss suspends tipper operations

Tragedy struck in Rivers State on Monday as a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a tipper driver lost their lives during a violent clash between a government taskforce and tipper operators at a sand dredging site in Chokocho Community, Etche Local Council.

The incident occurred during an enforcement operation at the dredging site located along the Chokocho axis, where authorities had earlier banned sand dredging and mining activities due to environmental concerns.

It was gathered that officials enforcing the ban visited the site when the confrontation erupted.

Although the immediate cause of the clash had not been fully established as at press time, sources said some youths in the community allegedly attempted to stop the officials from carrying out the enforcement.

During the standoff, a firearm reportedly held by one of the NSCDC personnel accidentally discharged, killing a tipper driver identified simply as Bright.

The development, however, sparked outrage among some persons at the site, as hoodlums were said to have immediately attacked the civil defence officer in a reprisal, killing him.

The enforcement team was said to be working in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, which had earlier placed a ban on sand dredging and mining activities along the Chokocho/Umuechem Road, Chokocho/Igbo Road, Okoroagu, Umuayagu and Egwi corridors due to the negative environmental impact of the activities on roads and host communities.

Despite the directive, reports indicated that dredging operations had continued in the affected areas prior to the enforcement action.

Following the deadly clash, Chairman of Etche Local Council, Chima Njoku, ordered the immediate suspension of all tipper operations and activities of tipper parks in the local council until further notice.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Dagogo Isaac.

According to the statement, the decision became necessary after the unfortunate killing of the NSCDC officer.

“Consequently, all officials of the Tipper Drivers/Parks Unions operating in Etche Local Council are directed to report immediately to the Okehi Police Division to explain their roles, if any, in the incident,” the statement said.

The chairman also directed the union officials to explain the circumstances surrounding the reported blockage of the Chokocho–Igwuruta Federal Highway during the crisis.

“They are also expected to clarify the circumstances that led to the blockage of the Chokocho–Igwuruta Federal Highway. Failure to comply with this directive will attract the full wrath of the law,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, authorities are yet to announce any arrest in connection with the incident, while the situation in the area is being closely monitored by security agencies. (The Guardian)