Re: Indigenous Miners Cry Foul in Nasarawa, Accuses Government of Interference

The attention of the under listed persons have been drawn to a purported writeup by Timadex Geomin Consult Limited published on the 14” June, 2024 by the Punch newspaper castigating and maligning the person of Governor A.A. Sule and the government of Nasarawa state.

For the purpose of history and clarity and to keep the record straight, the minerals in question (LITHIUM) was discover in Kware (Amba) and Agaza (Igwo} communities. respectively of Kokona local Government Area. The people that constitute this geographical area are peace loving people.

No government world over will not welcome development nor dislike the progress of its citizens. Also no responsible government will allow its citizens leave without securing their lives and properties.

We view the action of the Governor of Nasarawa state to ensure well-coordinated and productive mining activities devoid of insecurity and threat to lives of the people of our communities as good intention and the right action any responsible government should take, considering the devastating consequences that comes vith mining activities.It is on this note that upon discovery of the presence of some Illegal miners, we quickly solicited for the intervention of the State government which the Governor obliged by providing security to prevent and safeguard the influx of illegal miners / the mining site.

The two communities have no knowledge of any consent given to Timadex Geomin Consult Limited either by the Village Head, District Head or the paramount rulers of both Amba and Agwada Chiefdoms.

Therefore, as the people from these communities where this discovery was made, we make bold to say that we are fully in support of the Nasarawa state government on whatever decision it may think best for the development and progress of our communities.

While it is not in doubt that the two communities involve, i e Amba and Agaza have given consent to Black Stones New Energy limited and Black Gem New Energy Limited to carryout mining activities on our Land, this was done after careful assessment of these companies and were proven to have knowledge and capacity to establish both production and processing factories in the two communities.

We therefore, want to draw the attention of Timadex Geomin consult that the communities, i e Amba and Agwada are fully behind the Chinese companies (Black Stone New Energy limited and Black Gem New Energy Limited) contrary to what they claimed that the native are crying foul that their land is being sold without their consent. May we state categorically that we are aware of the state government commitment to ensure proper management and coordination of mining activities in the two communities and Nasarawa State at large.

May we also state that there is no cooperate/social responsibility undertaken in these two communities as claimed by Timadex Geomin Consult Limited.

While we are not against any indigenous mining company to obtain consent to operate in our Land. We resolved that such company must have unquestionable mining history and capacity to operate. We therefore urge the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the D.G Cadastral office and the Governor of Nasarawa State to ensure that only reputable mining company with requisite capacity either local or foreign are allowed to be given license.

On this note, we want to categorically stated that any attempt by individuals or groups of individuals to bring or support the activities of illegal miners to these communities will be strictly resisted.

Conclusion, we hereby, call on the Minister of Solid Minerals Development. Mr Dele Aleke, all other relevant agencies and the general public to disregard the write up by Timadex Geomin Consult that could not hold water, rather aimed at destroying the good name and reputation of our Governor that has taken him years to build.
Sign
OVERSEER AGWADA DEVELOPMENT AREA, Hon Adamu Agye

HRH, OSU Agwada, Abubakar S Obagu

HRH, Mr Martins Kure Abashi, Sangarin Amba.

District Head Amba, Slyvester Ingazi

District Head Agwada, Usman K E

Village Head Amba Mr Moyi Mathias

Village Head Agwada, Alhaji Usman A

Youth Leader Agwada, Hon Owa Moses

Youth Leader Amba, Mr Ibrahim Agbawu

Youth Leader, Agaza, Emmanuel B. Omale

CC

Governor of Nasarawa State

Minister of Solid Minerals Dev.

DG Cadastral Office :

Rt. Hon. Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly

Hon. Member (NSHA) Representing Kokona East

Hon. Commissioner Min. of Environment Nasarawa State

Hon. Commissioner Min. of Special Duties, Security &Sundry Matters Nasarawa State

Hon. Commissioner of Education Nasarawa State

Executive Chairman Kokona Local Government Area

Overseer Agwada Development Area

Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command

Director, Department of State Security Services

Commandant Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps