The Paramount Ruler of Agwada Community in Nasarawa State, His Royal Highness Abubakar Obagu, has called for the immediate removal of the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshal, ACC Attah Onoja, and his team from the area.
Obagu made the demand on Monday while addressing residents who had gathered at his palace to protest the growing dangers of illegal mining in the community, especially in the Rafin Gabbas area. He accused the mining marshals of failing to protect the community and instead contributing to the harassment of villagers and destruction of lives.
“Our people have suffered greatly since illegal mining started in this community,” the monarch said. “We have lost loved ones, and our people can no longer go to their farms because they are being chased, harassed, and even arrested by these marshals.”
Obagu alleged that despite the presence of around 50 mining marshals guarding the area, underage children are still being used for dangerous night mining activities. He said the marshals have failed in their duty to stop these illegal operations and are instead creating more fear among residents.
The monarch further claimed that several companies laying claim to mining licenses in the community had not received the consent of the people. He identified the companies as **Capital Apex Synergy Global Services Limited**, **Nizhong Mining Company Limited**, **Badger Mines Nigeria Limited**, and **Badger Mines Baba Allen Nigeria Limited**.
He said he had written to the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office to reject applications for mineral titles from these companies, saying the community did not endorse their activities.
“We are asking the government to remove this team and send officials from Nasarawa State who understand our reality,” Obagu stated. “President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police must intervene now before more lives are lost.”
The protest follows a series of deaths linked to mining activities in the community. One grieving father, **Danjuma Edekwudu**, shared his pain with reporters, revealing that he lost two sons—**Hassan Danjuma and Odula Danjuma**—when a mining site collapsed at night.
“They were lured into illegal night mining and died when the land caved in,” he said. “Since their deaths, I have been sick and bedridden. I feel hopeless, and I need the government’s help to survive.”
Also speaking, **Eshimutu Ode**, Secretary of the Agwada Mining Community, said many villagers had died under the watch of the mining marshals, yet no explanations or support had been provided to the victims’ families.
“We’ve had too many deaths. The marshals are here, yet the illegal mining continues and people are dying,” Ode said. “Nobody is held responsible. We want this team out of our land.”
In response to the allegations, **ACC Attah Onoja**, Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshal, denied any wrongdoing. He said his team had worked within the law and used international best practices to tackle illegal mining.
“As a commander, my job is to secure all mining sites. I have ensured the arrest and prosecution of illegal miners. The issues at these sites are complex and sensitive, but we are doing our job,” Onoja stated.
Illegal mining has long been a challenge in many parts of Nigeria, often resulting in environmental degradation, loss of lives, and tension between host communities and security operatives. In Nasarawa, the situation in Agwada reflects a growing call for better regulation, local involvement, and greater accountability from authorities.
Residents say they are tired of promises and demand action—starting with the removal of officials they believe have failed them.
