The Kwara State Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman, has said the ministry will soon start mass arrests of environmental offenders in the state.

The commissioner declared this during an official visit to the Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, at his palace in Ilorin, the state capital, on Wednesday.

The commissioner, who disclosed that fines will be attached to such arrests, explained “that the reason for the visit to the Emir's palace was to seek the monarch's support to take the campaign to the grassroots.”

She reiterated the commitment of the present administration to eradicate indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the Ilorin metropolis and across the state.

The visit, which the commissioner described as “a royal assent to the war against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, was aimed at ensuring a total eradication of indiscriminate dumping of refuse in Ilorin metropolis.”

In his words, “Your Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, we are here to appreciate your unalloyed support for the present administration and also to seek your blessing on the mandate given to us by His Excellency on the eradication of indiscriminate dumping of refuse in Ilorin metropolis.

“Also to help us in advocacy and to sensitise our people on the need to desist from violating environmental laws such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians, inside canals, and other unauthorised dumping sites,” he added.

The Commissioner emphasised that very soon, “government will start mass arrests of environmental offenders and a fine will be attached,” stressing that this is the reason he and his team were in the palace to seek the help of the royal father to take the campaign to the grassroots for compliance.

In his remark, the Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his laudable achievements in the state.

According to him, the present administration under the leadership of Mallam AbdulRazaq has fulfilled its promises during the electioneering campaign with the various achievements he has recorded in the last four years.

Alhaji SuluGambari, therefore assured the commissioner of his unflinching support to put an end to the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in Ilorin metropolis.

The Emir prayed for a successful exercise in the quest to stop indiscriminate dumping and sustain a clean and hygienic environment for healthy living in the state.