Ebonyi mining dispute deepens as lawmaker, government, firm trade accusation

Amarachi Ehia, Abakaliki

Tension has continued to rise in Ohankwu community, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, over mining activities involving First Patriot Limited.

The crisis over the weekend attracted the attention of the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Chief Chinedu Ogah, and the Ebonyi State Government.

Ogah accused the company of using security operatives to force residents out of their homes without proper compensation.

He alleged that soldiers, police officers and civil defence personnel invaded the community and intimidated villagers.

The lawmaker claimed that some displaced residents later sought refuge in his house after fleeing the community.

Ogah threatened to petition the Federal Government to revoke the company’s mining licence over the alleged violations.

However, Director of First Patriot Limited, Obi Alio, denied the allegations and insisted that the company had fulfilled all agreements with the host community.

Alio said the firm provided boreholes, roads, scholarships and other development projects for residents.

He also maintained that affected landowners were compensated and denied claims of forceful eviction.

Reacting to the development, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chidi Onyia, said security operatives were deployed following reports of illegal mining and security threats in the area.

Onyia disclosed that over N400 million had been paid as compensation in the community and blamed the crisis on leadership disputes and poor management of compensation funds.