Tension in Ebonyi Community Over Mining Activities

Tensions have risen in Ohankwu Community, Ndufu Alik, Ikwo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, due to mining activities by First Patriot Limited. Chief Chinedu Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives for Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, accused the company of employing security personnel to intimidate residents and forcibly evict them without adequate compensation.

Allegations include the invasion of the community by soldiers, police officers, and civil defense personnel, resulting in the displacement of residents who sought refuge elsewhere. Ogah has threatened to petition the federal government to revoke First Patriot Limited's mining license for alleged violations.

In response, Obi Alio, the director of First Patriot Limited, denied the allegations, asserting that the company has fulfilled its agreements with the host community, including providing boreholes, roads, scholarships, and development projects. The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chidi Onyia, has deployed security operations in the area following reports of illegal mining and security threats, with N400 million reportedly paid in compensation to the community.