Against the backdrop of incessant illegal dredging
activities within the riverine communities in Elele Local Government Area of
Rivers State, the chairman, Barrister Reginald Iheanyichukwu Ukwomah has warned
those perpetrating the act to live the area or be prepared to face the wrath of
the law.

The council chairman gave the warning while delivering his
Independence Day celebration message at Okehi last Monday, adding that dredging
activities in the riverine communities of the area is posing environmental risk.

Barrister Ukwomah stated that dredging activities have
affected negatively on the ecosystem, thereby, adversely affecting the people.

He explained that was the reason the state government
recently banned dredging activities in the area, adding that such measures
would curtail the excesses.

According to him, the state government has adopted some
strigent measures on dredging and illegal bunkering activities across the state
and urged the people to desist from such acts that could endanger their lives and
others.

Time will come when we will all realise the negative
consequences of this illegal dredging we are doing”, adding that his
administration is determined to ensure that those doing the business do it in
accordance with the approved practices.

The Elga boss used the opportunity to call on the people of
the area to shun all forms of negative acts that are inimical to the
development of the area, assuring that his administration is poised to ensure
that both lives and property are protected.

The Tide reports that illegal dredging activities in the
area is endangering the lives of many Etche people including non-indigenes
because of the negative effect of the illegal business on the Chokocho
Umuayangu bridge.