Enyim Agalegu Edukwu Opeke community in Ikwo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, has raised alarm over alleged illegal underground mining by a Chinese company on their sacred land.
In a strong petition to Governor Francis Nwifuru, community youths accused the company and four local collaborators of carrying out unauthorised mining on the ancestral shrine located in Ugwogo Forest.
Mr. Ogbuinya Livinus, the Youth President, said the mining violates the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007, which requires environmental assessments, community approval, and federal permits before any mining begins. None of these were met.
The petition described the shrine as a centuries-old sacred site, warning that the mining is both a cultural insult and a spiritual violation. They also warned that the underground digging could cause tunnel collapses, land sinking, and even earthquake-like tremors.
The community further alleged that the Chinese company, with help from local collaborators, has started arresting and harassing youths who peacefully opposed the mining.
They also stated that the Chinese firm has no licence for mining on the land. Royal Salt Limited, the original leaseholder, has denied giving any permission to the company.
The petition warns that the company’s mining has gone beyond allowed boundaries, dangerously close to the Royal Salt mining dump. This could lead to serious environmental disasters, especially if the rainy season continues.
The community urged Governor Nwifuru to issue an immediate stop order on the illegal mining and to investigate those involved.
“We respect your peace efforts in Ebonyi, but we urge swift action before it is too late,” the petition concluded.
