JTF Arrests 2 Fake Brewers As Toxic Wastes Threaten Akwa Ibom Communities

A Joint Task Force (JTF) enforcement team drawn from the Police,  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and Environmental Health Officers of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment, has raided a fake beverages production plant in Ikot Okudom, Okon Clan, in Eket local government area.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the storming of the factory which led to the arrest of two suspected illegal brewers and distillers of unwholesome beverages including alcohol followed a petition to the ministry by a socio-cultural group – Ekid People’s Union (EPU) as a result of toxic wastes allegedly emanating from the plant.

The operation, led by the chairman of Eket LGA,  Hon. Akaniyene Tommey, followed complaints of severe environmental degradation caused by toxic gas emissions from suspected illegal industrial activities within the community.

“The investigation was initiated after the EPU, through a petition signed by its President-General, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, alerted the Ministry of Environment to the destruction of farmlands and the proliferation of illegally sited factories in Ikot Okudom, Okon.

“Responding to the petition, the Ministry of Environment dispatched a team of environmental health officers to assess the situation. Upon arrival, the delegation was received by the council chairman, who joined the inspection exercise.

“During the operation, the team discovered two illegal factories allegedly involved in the production of counterfeit alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. Two suspects were arrested at the scene,” Akpan Bassey Inyang, a community leader in Eket stated.

The suspects were identified as Mrs. Esther Ogolo, who reportedly assisted her husband, Joseph Ogolo, the alleged proprietor of one of the factories from Ebenebe LGA,  Anambra State, and Daniel Okoye, said to be another major operator from Abia State.

However, large quantities of already packaged wines and soft drinks ready for distribution, alongside distillery equipment, sealing machines, empty cartons, bottles, labels, bottle caps, and other production materials used in the illicit operations were seized from the plants.

Speaking to journalists after the raid, the leader of the Ministry of Environment’s delegation, Sanitarian Michael Effiong, said the ministry would conduct further investigations, including laboratory analysis, to determine the exact cause of the environmental damage reported by residents.

He explained that the ministry acted on a formal complaint received from the Ekid People’s Union and expressed concern over the growing number of illegal industrial activities operating within the area.

“Based on the complaint submitted to the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, we were directed to carry out an investigation. What we have seen today is alarming. Some individuals have turned parts of Eket into centres for illegal industrial activities, including the production of fake drinks for unsuspecting members of the public,” he said.

Effiong assured residents that the matter would not be swept under the carpet, adding that comprehensive reports and laboratory findings would be submitted to the Commissioner for Environment for appropriate action.

The environmental team also visited the farmland allegedly affected by toxic emissions. During the visit, Tommey provided financial support to a widow whose farmland and source of livelihood were reportedly destroyed by the pollution, assuring her that further government intervention would follow.

It was gathered that the illegal production and distribution of counterfeit alcoholic beverages had been ongoing in the remote community for some time, posing serious health risks to consumers.

The council chairman directed security agencies to evacuate all recovered items and intensify investigations aimed at apprehending other operators of illegal factories in the area.

He reiterated the local government’s commitment to protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring that those responsible for illegal industrial activities are brought to justice.