The Executive Chairman of Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Chima Njoku, has ordered the immediate suspension of all tipper drivers’ operations and activities at their parks across the council area following the death of an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The NSCDC officer reportedly died while on surveillance duty with officials of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in Port Harcourt, an incident that has raised concerns among security authorities and government officials in the state.

In response to the development, the council chairman directed that all tipper drivers and their operational parks within Etche Local Government Area should cease activities with immediate effect until further notice.

Consequently, officials of all tipper drivers and parks unions operating within the council area have been instructed to report immediately to the Okehi Police Division to provide explanations regarding their possible roles, if any, in the incident.

They are also expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the blockage of the Chokocho–Igwuruta Federal Highway, which reportedly disrupted vehicular movement and heightened tension in the area.

Chief Njoku warned that failure by any of the union officials to comply with the directive would attract the full weight of the law.

The council chairman reiterated the determination of the local government to ensure law and order while investigations into the incident continue.

It would be recalled that the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development had earlier banned sand dredging and mining activities along the Chokocho/Umuechem Road, Chokocho/Igbo Road, Okoroagu, Umuayagu and Egwi corridors.

The ban was imposed due to the negative environmental impact of the activities on roads and host communities within the affected areas.