Civil Society Urges Dialogue Over OCHA Brigade Crackdown
By Savinews Africa
When livelihoods are disrupted without a clear process, unrest is rarely far behind.
This reality is playing out in Onitsha, Anambra State, where growing tension has followed the actions of the OCHA Brigade against sand miners and tipper drivers.
The Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet) has raised concern over protests triggered by the alleged confiscation of equipment, impoundment of vehicles and arrests carried out by the OCHA Brigade without the involvement of the police and relevant regulatory agencies.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Prince Chris Azor, ACSONet warned that sand mining and tipper operations form a critical part of the construction value chain, providing daily income for thousands of families across Onitsha and neighbouring communities.
The group noted that abrupt shutdowns threaten livelihoods, worsen youth unemployment and could fuel wider social unrest, crime and insecurity if tensions persist.
The Civil Society Organisation also expressed concern over what it described as a breakdown in coordination among government institutions, stressing that enforcement actions not clearly aligned with statutory regulators create confusion, erode public trust and weaken the rule of law.
While regulation is necessary to protect public infrastructure and the environment, ACSONet insisted it must be carried out with transparency, due process and respect for lawful operators.
Beyond the immediate protests, ACSONet warned of broader economic implications, noting that disruptions in the supply of construction materials could slow down building projects, increase costs and delay public and private investments, ultimately affecting service delivery and economic growth in the state.
The group called on the Anambra State Government, under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to urgently intervene and de-escalate the situation.
It urged the governor to convene a dialogue involving the OCHA Brigade, relevant state and federal agencies, as well as representatives of sand miners and tipper drivers, to clarify mandates and agree on fair and lawful operational processes.
According to ACSONet, restoring calm in Onitsha requires dialogue, coordination and policies that protect both public order and the livelihoods of citizens, warning that inclusive and timely engagement is key to sustaining peace and public confidence in governance.
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