A serious conflict is unfolding in the Ndufu-Alike axis of Ikwo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, as the Enyim Agalegu Edukwu Opeke community has accused a Chinese company of conducting illegal underground mining on their sacred land. The community youths, led by their Youth President Mr. Ogbuinya Livinus, have petitioned Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, demanding urgent intervention to halt the unauthorized mining activities.
The petition alleges that the Chinese firm, in collusion with four local individuals, is mining underground without the legally required environmental impact assessment, community consent, or federal certification as mandated by the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007. The mining is reportedly taking place dangerously close to the community’s revered ancestral shrine located in Ugwogo Forest, a site of immense cultural and spiritual significance.
The youths warned that the illegal mining poses severe environmental hazards, including the risk of tunnel collapses, land subsidence, and earthquake-like tremors, especially as the mining encroaches near the Royal Salt Limited mining dump. Royal Salt Limited, the official leaseholder of the land, has distanced itself from the Chinese company’s operations, denying any authorization or license granted to the foreign firm.
Furthermore, the petitioners accused the Chinese company and its local collaborators of arresting and intimidating community members who have peacefully protested the mining. The community called on Governor Nwifuru to issue an immediate executive order to stop the illegal mining and to launch a thorough investigation into the activities and the involvement of the local collaborators.
The petitioners emphasized their respect for the governor’s peace initiatives but urged swift action to prevent what they fear could become a catastrophic disaster for the environment, cultural heritage, and the safety of the community.
