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Youths from coal-producing communities in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State have protested at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja over alleged illegal coal mining activities in their communities.
The protest brought together youths from affected communities who raised concerns about the impact of illegal mining and called for government intervention.
One of the demonstrators said the communities were “sick and tired” of the situation, urging authorities to hold local government officials accountable for the exploitation of their resources.
“We are here to let the minister know that we are sick and tired. Mr President has been telling us, hold your governors accountable. Hold your local government accountable,” the demonstrator said.
He questioned why foreign nationals were allegedly allowed to exploit the communities’ mineral resources while the people living in the area continued to suffer.
“How can a Chinese man and a woman leave their country to come and be exploiting our land?” he said.
“All of you that are watching me, none of you here can boast of 20 billion in your account. But Chinese people are boasting of billions from my land.”
The demonstrator also alleged that some individuals were protecting illegal mining activities in the area and called for the arrest of the Ankpa Local Government Chairman.
“Enough is enough. These people are being protected by some people settling government officials in our community. The local government chairman of Ankpa local government must be arrested now,” he said.
He further accused the council chairman of aiding and abetting illegal mining, while stressing that licensed mining operators also have responsibilities to host communities.
“The Ankpa local government chairman has been aiding and abetting these criminals exploiting us. There are constitutions of mining in Nigeria. Even if you have a license, there are community responsibilities,” he said.
According to him, mining activities had generated significant revenue from the area without a corresponding improvement in infrastructure.
Another speaker, however, disputed claims that the illegal miners were foreigners, alleging that investigations had identified them as indigenes of the communities.
“Several investigations have confirmed that the illegal miners are not aliens. They are indigenes who don’t want legitimate means of livelihood,” the speaker said.
The speaker further alleged that the miners had continued to operate because they were being protected by some traditional rulers and local government officials.
“Their leaders are known and aided by traditional rulers and local government functionaries. That is the only reason they continue to escape justice and perpetrate economic sabotage,” the speaker said.
The demonstrators further called on the government and relevant authorities to urgently intervene and investigate the alleged illegal mining activities.
