Community in Ebonyi decries threats over mineral deposits exploration

Thu, Jan 30, 2020
By publisher
4 MIN READ

Politics

SCORES of women, men and youths from Ndiezoke, Igbeagu Autonomous Community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi on Wednesday staged a protest over alleged illegal exploration of their mineral deposits.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some of the elderly men and women aged between 60 and 80 years, were seen at the Government House, Abakaliki half naked and protesting against a mining company that intended to explore mineral deposits in the community.

Mr Christian Nwogbaga, a stakeholder from Ndiezoke village, alleged continuous threats to lives of some elderly men in the area who refused to sign documents given to them by Mr John Nwenyi, a former chief in the area.

Nwogbaga alleged that since 2016, Nwenyi, from the community and owner of Jef Jap Mining Company had continued to mine on their land with his children without their consent, assistance and developing of the village.

He urged the state government to intervene in the matter and stop the planned exploration in the community.

“We have alerted the authorities and the demonstration was because of the continuous intimidation and threats.

“Just three days ago, Nwenyi came in with a vehicle loaded with security personnel and some white men to intimate us and have their way to survey the land.

“Nwenyi had insisted in mining on that land since 2016, with intimidation and threats to life.

“We want peace and demand that he leave that land for us because his instigating crisis in our area with the manner he was going,” Nwogbaga said.

Mr Ogbonna Otubo, Youth President of Ndiezoke said the peaceful demonstration followed Nwenyi’s recent approach towards the matter.

“The elders have been doing a lot to calm the youth down over the matter and to avoid crisis,’ he said’.

The village head, Mr Nwigwe Ukwaigboji and representative of the women, Mrs Nwankpu Nwite in their separate speeches said that Nwenyi and his children intimidated them and took over their God given mineral deposits.

“There have been several threats on our people because he is wealthy,” they said.

The Commissioner for Internal Security Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Chief Stanley okoroemegha while addressing the protesters, promised to handle the matter as soon as possible.

Okoroemegha encouraged them to return to their homes and assured them that the state government would not allow the accused person to embark on mining activities in the area.

“You will be satisfied with result that will be presented after our deliberation.

“The matter will be handled by the state government and the person involved will not be seen there again,” Okoroemegh promised.

Reacting to the development, Mr Pascal Nwenyi, Son of Mr John Nwenyi stated that their company was interested in peace and development of the area.

Nwenyi maintained that due process was followed, by registering the company, village consent letter signed; community development agreement appended among other documents signed.

He explained that when investigated, the company and documents signed was rightfully done, adding that the village was not patient to enable the company to build hospital, roads and water promised.

Nwenyi noted that the cadastral units would not for any reason give mining lease without proper documentation.

“They signed all that was supposed to be signed and we followed all due process approved.

“If these processes were not enough, we should be told other processes to follow.

“The customary and rightful owners of the particular land appended their own signatures, even the former traditional ruler of Igbeagu Autonomous community endorsed the document,” Nwenyi said.

News Agency of Nigeria gathered that the protesters had placards with inscriptions; `Jep-Jaf leave our land alone’, `John Nwenyi, our Mineral deposit land is not for sale, stop instigating crisis in Igbeagu community. (NAN)

– Jan. 30, 2020 @ 11:45 GMT |

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