The Kogi State House of Assembly has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Association of Miners to address disputes among their members in Ankpa and other affiliated unions in the state.
This ultimatum comes after allegations of arms and ammunition hoarding by Chinese nationals in Agumagu, one of the mining sites in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State. The Chairman of the House Committee on public petitions, Hon. Paul Enema, delivered the ultimatum during a hearing with the Kogi State Chairman of the Association of Miners, Oruma Yunusa, and other key stakeholders.
Hon. Enema emphasized that the one-week grace period aims to facilitate dialogue and resolution among the aggrieved parties for the overall interest of Kogi State. He expressed deep concern over reports of individuals stockpiling arms and ammunition with the intent to disrupt peace in the state. He assured that the government, under the leadership of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, will not tolerate such actions and that the house will thoroughly investigate the matter.
In his address, Hon. Enema stressed that it is imperative for citizens of Kogi State to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. He implored all aggrieved parties to embrace peace for the collective well-being of the state.
“The basis of the petition was arms and ammunition hoarding in the coal business of Ankpa Local Government. That was why we invited the Chairman of the Local Government who later gave us his report that there was nothing of such,” Hon. Enema stated.
“The companies they are accusing came here to testify that they had nothing to do with arms and ammunition, and their Chinese partner, who the petitioner implicated. From our preliminary investigation, we gathered that they are a reputable international company.”
The house has extended this one-week grace period to allow the Chairman of the Kogi State Association of Miners to provide progress reports after putting his house in order. Subsequently, the Divisional Police Officer of Ankpa Local Government, Area Commander, and Chief of Agumagu will be consulted to confirm the veracity of the allegations before necessary actions are taken.
Another lawmaker, Hon. Lawal Akus, representing Ankpa I State Constituency, highlighted the gravity of the allegations and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution. He affirmed the responsibility of lawmakers to thoroughly investigate the raised allegations and formulate peaceful resolutions before any further action is taken.
“Ankpa is very calm and peaceful. There is no tension as widely speculated. What we heard today is that the Chinese people mining in Ankpa are depriving the indigenous people of access to the market,” Hon. Akus explained.
“We believe that this issue can be resolved through dialogue between the union and the Chinese people, with the aim of ending the dispute holistically. If they are unable to resolve it internally, the house will intervene through the appropriate channels and establish conditions that will benefit the people of Ankpa Local Government and the entire state,” he added.
The Kogi State House of Assembly received a petition from Concerned Citizens of Kogi, who expressed grave concerns about the threats to lives and property at mining sites in Ankpa Local Government Area. The house is committed to addressing these concerns and ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Kogi State.
