Nasarawa Groups Demand Action Against Mining Pollution in Local Communities
Petition Filed Over Environmental Damage from Mining in Nasarawa State
Nasarawa Residents Call for Investigation into Mining Pollution and Health Risks
BY SHEKWOPEYELO
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has petitioned the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. They are concerned about the mining communities in Awe and Karu Local Government Areas. RDI urges the House to conduct a fact-finding visit to these areas.
The petition, signed by the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) and the Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF), highlights local concerns. During a hybrid Media Interactive session on mining in Nasarawa, locals from Abuni and Uke districts participated. RDI Executive Director Philip Jakpor expressed alarm over the situation in Awe. Locals blame the environmental degradation on the Multiverse Mining Company, which reportedly has Chinese ownership.
The locals allege that pollution has contaminated the Rafin Jaki River, their only source of water. This pollution has allegedly caused the deaths of some children in 2023. They also cite indiscriminate rock blasting and insecurity as major issues stemming from mining activities. They warn that their situation increasingly resembles that of Zamfara State, where mining links to insecurity.
Isah Abubakar from Awe LGA explained that the pollution of the river reflects the Chinese firm’s insensitivity. He shared that the local community collected water samples from the river. Tests conducted in a Kaduna laboratory found dangerous chemicals in the water. Unfortunately, the mining company refused to engage in dialogue, stating they only deal with the government.
Abubakar pointed out that the substantial solid mineral resources in Awe, similar to those in Uke, have become a curse. Instead of benefiting the community, they create problems.
Tarfa Awe, also from the community, noted that they suffer from government neglect. He cited poor road conditions and unreliable electricity. While locals endure weeks without power, the Chinese mining firm enjoys 24-hour electricity.
In his intervention, EDEN Executive Director Barrister Chima Williams emphasized that findings show unchecked environmental violations. Moreover, local people feel helpless as they try to be law-abiding citizens.
Williams highlighted that the situation in Uke and Abuni supports EDEN’s call for Mining Monitors. This initiative would include representatives from mining host communities, the Ministry of Mining, and Civil Defence. They would monitor mining sites and routes, arrest illegal miners, and hand them over to the police for investigation.
Additionally, he commended the Nigerian Senate for the proposed Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS). This initiative recently passed its second reading. It aims to prevent incidents like those occurring in Nasarawa from happening elsewhere.
Similarly, Comrade Sani Baba, Executive Director of CFSF, praised the community’s patience. However, he noted that the findings in the mining communities are disheartening. They confirm that governments at both state and federal levels continue to ignore the harm caused by extractive firms.
Baba emphasized that CFSF is committed to working with RDI and other partners to ensure justice in Nasarawa State. He expressed concern over the polluted water and reported deaths of locals in Awe LGA. Therefore, he insisted that the situation must not deteriorate further. They cannot sacrifice the lives of their people, especially children, for the greed of mining firms.
Finally, the petition to the House included eight key demands. They call for a fact-finding visit to the Abuni community, focusing on areas around the mining sites and the Rafin Jaki River. They also seek a comprehensive environmental audit of the Abuni community, Uke district, and surrounding areas. This audit should include water sources and agricultural environments. If the investigation reveals breaches of Nigeria’s environmental laws by Multiverse Mining Company, they demand the revocation of its mining license.
Moreover, the groups want the House to compel Multiverse Mining Company to take full responsibility for cleanup and remediation efforts in the Abuni community, among other demands.
