Ebonyi Community Seeks Governor's Intervention on Mining

Tensions have escalated in the Amaez community within Ivo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, following a stakeholders' meeting convened by the Executive Chairman, Ajah Emmanuel Ogbonna, on February 14, 2026. The meeting addressed a controversial mining directive impacting land in Mboro Ajayim, linked to Hephzibah Beulah Concept Ltd, owned by Anokwut Ndionuka and Nathaniel Chukwunyer.

Although the company's license was reportedly revoked by the Federal Mining Authority, the matter remains under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. The meeting took a dramatic turn when stakeholders alleged they were denied the opportunity to respond to the chairman's remarks.

Uka Franci, representing the Mboro Ajayim Land Association, expressed surprise at the developments, emphasizing the community's commitment to lawful business operations on their ancestral land. Chief Fide Akwa Omeihukwu described the outcome as unsettling and highlighted the need for democratic engagement.

The community leaders formally called for Governor Nwifuru's intervention to clarify the issues and ensure fair hearings for all parties involved, maintaining that the Amaez community has no history of hostility towards investors.