“… visits 3 mining communities in Kokona LG over alleged illegal acquisition of land by Black Gem Energy Limited…”
Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, has today Thursday visited Agbadu, Egboka and Agaza communities of Igwo village, Agwada in Kokona LGA.
The visit, the committee said was over a petition its received from the communities against Black Gem New Energy Limited, a mining company for alleged illegal acquisition of their land for exploration of Lithium.
The committee urged the communities to refrain from any act that would threaten the existing peace being enjoyed in their areas.
The committee also advised them to embrace peace and be law abiding as well as respect constituted authorities for the overall development of their communities.
Hon. Mohammed Adamu Omadefu, the Chairman of the committee made the call when he led other members of the committee to interfaced with the communities today in Igwo Village Agwada, Kokona LGA.
Hon. Omadefu said that the committee was in the communities for facts finding mission and to ensure that the existing peace being enjoyed in the area is sustained.
“We are here as a result of a letter of complaints we received from Agaza, Agbadu and Egboka communities of Igwo Village against Black Gem New Energy Limited, for illegal acquisition of their lands, intimidation and threat to life”
“In the petition, you said that Black Gem New Energy Limited without your consent and approval, has put in application for the grant of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in your land against the Nasarawa State Executive Order 2, 2022, hence the need of your petition.
“We are here on facts finding mission in the interest of peace. We are here to hear from all of you” he said.
Hon. Omadefu assured the communities of the committee’s readiness to ensure fairness and justice at the end of the investigation for peace to reign.
“We will do a thorough investigation and give everybody fear hearing. We want to assure you that we will be just and fair in this investigation” he said.
Hon. Omadefu urged the people of the communities to shun any act that would cause disunity and disharmony to them.
“We will not allow anybody to cause disunity and disharmony among you.
“As His Excellency, Engr. A A Sule is a man of peace and respecter of rule of law”
“What we want is peace, progress and development of these communities” he said.
Hon Omadefu also disclosed that the committee will also meet with all the affected mining companies and individuals as the investigation last, and will advise the government appropriately.
On their parts, Mr Ada Okonu Obula, the Elder of Agbadu community, Mr Ayuba Osu Obula , Chairman, Agbadu community, Mr John Omaki Joseph, Secretary Agbadu community, Mr Abu Opula, Elder of Egboka community, Mr Abraham Owunakwose, Chairman, Egboka Community and Clement Joshua , Secretary of Egboka Community all spoke extensively on the matter at hand.
Also, Mr Monday Ogalebe, Chairman Agaza community, Mr Saidu Haruna, Secretary, Agaza community and Ode Ogalebe said that they have given five Cadastre Units (CUs) to all mining companies for five years in the area in which Black Gem Energy Limited was among.
They expressed shock that Black Gem Energy Limited has applied for C of O over their land without their consents and approvals.
They also told the committee that Black Gem Energy Limited is intimidating them with security men thereby threatening their lives.
They alleged that Black Gem Energy Limited has burnt their compressor among others.
They called on the committee to ensure justice while the assignment lasts.
On his part, Mr Emmanuel Bitrus, who brought Black Gem Energy Limited to the area said that he is aware that the communities are given 5 CUs to mining companies but for that of the Black Gem it was a portion of land that was given to them not CU.
“Yes, I have knowledge of other mining companies operating in this community but we have given Black Gem a portion of land for mining purpose” he said.
Earlier, the Committee visited the OSU Igwo Alh. Muhammed Otogoyi to receive his royal blessings and hear his own side of the story.
The Osu Igwo said that he had no knowledge of the said land.
It would be reported that leaders of the communities and youths, who spoke confirmed to the committee that it was only 5 Cadastre units that was given to Black Gem not the whole land of the communities for mining purpose as it claims.