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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
A socio-cultural organisation, Enugwu Ngwo Renaissance, has raised the alarm over what it described as the growing danger posed by illegal surface coal mining and unchecked construction on the hills surrounding Ngwo in Enugu State, warning that the area faces a looming landslide if urgent action is not taken.
The group appealed to the Federal Government and Governor Peter Mbah to intervene immediately to avert what it called an impending environmental disaster capable of claiming lives and destroying property.
In a statement signed by its media representative, Ike Ude-Chime, the group said residents had already begun experiencing the impact of unregulated mining, citing a recent explosion that allegedly shook parts of the community.
“Recently, a powerful explosion shook the grounds of Enugwu Ngwo, creating a tremor that caused panic, especially among residents of the Idume Village in Ukwuna community. School children ran out of their classrooms in confusion, while poultry farms recorded the death of many birds from the shock,” the statement said.
The group said the shift from underground coal mining to open surface mining has exposed the area to serious environmental risks, including land degradation, acid mine drainage, air pollution, and contamination of nearby water sources.
It warned that exposing coal-bearing rocks to air and rainwater could release hazardous substances into rivers and groundwater, while blasting activities and heavy equipment continue to threaten nearby homes and public health.
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The group also expressed concern over the increasing construction of residential and commercial buildings on the steep hillsides around Milken Road, saying developers were cutting into slopes without proper geotechnical assessments.
“The stability of these hills depends on their natural vegetation and geological structure. Cutting into steep slopes for construction creates conditions for landslides, rockfalls, and slope failures, particularly during heavy rainfall,” it warned.
It added that the weight of multi-storey buildings, coupled with increased surface runoff could weaken the hillsides and endanger Milken Road, a major transport corridor in Enugu.
Enugwu Ngwo Renaissance urged the Enugu State government to halt all illegal mining, quarrying, and excavation activities in the area and direct the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) to stop further construction on vulnerable slopes while enforcing building regulations.
It also called on the Federal Government to deploy ecological funds for erosion control, review mining licences in environmentally sensitive areas and implement engineering measures such as retaining walls, improved drainage systems and slope stabilisation.
“The Ngwo hills and Milken Road represent an irreplaceable ecological and historical asset. Allowing illegal mining and unchecked hill construction to continue puts lives, infrastructure and the environment at grave risk. Action must be taken now before the slopes give way entirely,” the group said.
