By love-89.com The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has officially reached out to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, expressing serious concerns regarding the conditions faced by mining communities in the Awe and Karu Local Government Areas. They are urging the Assembly to conduct a fact-finding visit to these regions.
This petition has garnered support from the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) and the Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF). During a hybrid media event that focused on the mining landscape in Nasarawa, which included input from local residents of the Abuni and Uke districts, RDI Executive Director Philip Jakpor shed light on the alarmingly dire situation, particularly in Awe. Community members have reportedly linked environmental degradation to activities by Multiverse Mining Company, a firm believed to be under Chinese ownership.
Local residents voiced their deep concerns, revealing that the Rafin Jaki River—their primary water source—has been polluted, which they claim has resulted in the tragic deaths of several children in 2023. They also highlighted issues such as indiscriminate blasting of rocks and increasing insecurity as negative impacts of mining in their area, warning that their plight is beginning to mirror the severe insecurity observed in Zamfara State, where mining activities have exacerbated safety concerns.
Isah Abubakar from Awe LGA characterized the river pollution as a shocking indication of the Chinese company’s negligence towards the community. He mentioned that locals collected water samples from the river, which were then tested in a Kaduna laboratory and found to contain hazardous chemicals. Despite their efforts to engage in dialogue, the mining company has reportedly dismissed their concerns, claiming they only communicate with government officials.
Abubakar expressed frustration, stating that the rich mineral resources in Awe—similar to those in Uke where lithium and gold are mined—have become more of a curse than a blessing. Another community member, Tarfa Awe, echoed this frustration, lamenting government neglect, which has resulted in poor road infrastructure and unreliable electricity, while the Chinese mining operation enjoys a steady power supply.
In response, EDEN Executive Director Barrister Chima Williams shared that their investigations, supported by amateur videos, have uncovered rampant environmental violations, leaving local residents feeling powerless in their efforts to remain lawful. He renewed calls for the creation of Mining Monitors, comprising representatives from local communities, the Ministry of Mining, and Civil Defence, among others, to oversee mining operations, apprehend illegal miners, and work with law enforcement for further action.
Williams commended the Nigerian Senate’s progress on the proposed Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS), which has recently passed its second reading, insisting that such measures could prevent the type of situations unfolding in Nasarawa from repeating in other regions of the country.
Comrade Sani Baba, Executive Director of CFSF, lauded the resilience of the communities in Awe and Karu LGA while lamenting the disappointing findings that corroborate long-standing concerns. He pointed out that both state and federal governments continually ignore the destruction wrought by extractive companies, resulting in insecurity and the depletion of natural resources.
Baba reiterated CFSF’s dedication to collaborating with RDI and other partners in the pursuit of justice for residents of Nasarawa, emphasizing that every Nigerian life matters and denouncing the apparent indifference mining companies have towards local communities and the environment. “We are especially disturbed by the water pollution and reported deaths in Awe LGA,” he stated. “This situation cannot be allowed to deteriorate further; we will not sacrifice our people’s lives, especially our children, for the greed of mining firms.”
The petition to the House delineates eight essential demands, including a request for a fact-finding visit to the Abuni community, particularly in areas close to mining sites and the Rafin Jaki River. It calls for a thorough environmental audit of the Abuni and Uke districts, including assessments of their water and agricultural environments. Additionally, it demands the revocation of Multiverse Mining Company’s license if investigations uncover violations of Nigeria’s environmental regulations, along with a stipulation that the company must fully take responsibility for cleanup and remediation efforts in the Abuni Community.