The Enyim Agalegu Edukwu Opeke community, in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, petitioned the Ebonyi state government over an alleged underground Chinese mine and the nefarious activities of the company responsible for the mine in their community.
The petition to the government alleged that the Chinese company, in collaboration with some local collaborators, was running an underground mine in a sacred forest, which is also an area set aside for an ancestral deity. The petition alleged four individuals were key collaborators in the development, while also highlighting the high-handedness of the Chinese company using force to harass protesting youths.
The shrine has been our ancestral deity for centuries,” the petition reads. “It’s desecration by this Chinese firm and their local accomplices is not only a cultural affront but also a spiritual violation.
“The underground mining poses serious environmental risks, including potential tunnel collapse, land subsidence, and even earthquake-like consequences,” they said.
The youths of the community alleged that the Chinese company was using force to arrest and harass protesting members of the community. The Chinese company is yet to respond to the allegations.
Violation of Mineral and Mining Act
The Youth President, Ogbuinya Livinus, alleged that the operations of the Chinese company were in violation of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, particularly Section 61. He added that the prerequisite Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not done by the company, in addition to the fact that they were violating the act.
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The community called on Governor Nwifuru to issue an executive order ordering the Chinese company to cease operations in the Ebonyi Chinese mine to avert a breakdown of law and order when the people react.
“We are still holding our peace in respect of your peace initiative in Ebonyi State through your People’s Charter of Needs. But we urge you to act now before it’s too late,” the petitioners concluded.
