The Nasarawa State House of Assembly committee on environment has urged mining communities to refrain from any act that will threaten the existing peace in the state.

The chairman of the committee, Mohammed Omadefu, gave the advice when he led other lawmakers to interface with Agbadu, Egboka and Agaza communities of Igwo village, Agwada in Kokona LGA, on Friday.

Mr Omadefu said the committee was in the communities for a fact-finding mission over a petition it received against Black Gem New Energy Ltd., a mining company, for alleged illegal acquisition of their land for exploration of lithium.

He urged them to embrace peace and be law- abiding and respect constituted authorities.

“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 Ltd., for illegal acquisition of their lands, intimidation and threat to life.

“In the petition, you said that Black Gem New Energy Ltd., without your consent and approval, has put in application for CofO in your land, against the Nasarawa State Executive Order 2, 2022, hence the need of your petition.

“We are here on a fact finding mission in the interest of peace. We are here to hear from all of you,” the chairman said.

He 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 fair hearing. We want to assure you that we will be just and fair in this investigation,” Mr Omadefu said.

He added that the committee would meet with all the affected mining companies and individuals, as the investigation lasted, and would advise the government appropriately.

On their parts, Ayuba Obula, chairman, Agbadu Community; John Joseph, secretary, Agbadu Community; Abraham Owunakwose, chairman, Egboka Communityand Clement Joshua, Secretary, Egboka Community, all spoke extensively on the matter at hand.

Also, Monday Ogalebe, chairman, Agaza Community and Saidu Haruna, secretary, Agaza Community, said they had given five Cadastre Units to all mining companies for five years in the area, in which Black Gem Energy Ltd. was among.

They expressed shock that the company applied for CofO over their land, without their consents and approvals.

They also told the committee that Black Gem Energy Ltd. was intimidating them with security men.

They alleged that Black Gem Energy Ltd. had burnt their compressor, among others.

They called on the committee to ensure justice, while the assignment lasted.

Earlier, the committee visited the Osu Igwo (Village Head),  Muhammed Otogoyi, to receive his royal blessings and get his own side of the story.

The Osu Igwo said that he had no knowledge of the said land. 

(NAN)