Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), along with partners Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) and Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF), submitted a petition to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly urging an investigation into the severe environmental impacts of mining activities in the Uke district and Abuni community within Karu and Awe Local Government Areas. The petition highlights concerns from local residents regarding the disregard mining companies show for environmental safety and community rights.
During a media event in Lagos, RDI Executive Director Philip Jakpor noted that previous reports from April 2024 indicated significant environmental degradation linked to lithium and gold discoveries, causing discomfort among locals due to the influx of unfamiliar faces. Concerns were raised by residents of Abuni about potential links between mining wastewater from Multiverse, a Chinese firm, and recent deaths in the area, supported by tests showing heavy chemical pollution in the River Rafin Jaki.
Jakpor urged the Nasarawa State Government to learn from the environmental devastation seen in Niger Delta states, rather than focusing solely on the potential of solid minerals. Residents reported negative impacts on fishing due to river pollution, and they expressed distress over unsafe rock blasting and insecurity stemming from an influx of miners. Additionally, the community suffers from a lack of essential services like roads, hospitals, and schools, exacerbating their socioeconomic challenges.
EDEN’s Executive Director, Barrister Chima Williams, reported ongoing environmental violations and stressed the need for the establishment of Mining Monitors to oversee mining activities. He emphasized the importance of the proposed Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS) as a proactive measure to prevent similar situations elsewhere.
CFSF Executive Director Comrade Sani Baba acknowledged the community’s patience amid alarming findings, underscoring the state and federal governments’ negligence towards the detrimental effects of extractive industries. Baba reaffirmed the group’s commitment to seeking justice for the affected communities, emphasizing the urgent need to address water pollution and the alarming health impacts on local residents, especially children.
The petition outlines eight demands, including a fact-finding visit to mining sites, a comprehensive environmental audit, and revocation of Multiverse’s mining license if found in violation of environmental laws. It also calls for Multiverse to bear responsibility for environmental clean-up and scrutiny of agreements made with local traditional rulers that jeopardise community welfare.
