Some environmentalists have raised concerns about mining pollution in Nasarawa State’s Awe and Karu Local Government Areas, warning that the situation poses a serious environmental threat and increases the risk of exploitation of young girls by both licensed and illegal miners.
They described the issue as a “ticking time bomb,” urging the Nasarawa State Government to launch an immediate investigation and take decisive action.
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), alongside its partners—the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) and the Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF)—shared these concerns during a media briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, highlighting the deteriorating conditions in Nasarawa’s mining communities.
Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of RDI, pointed to Abuni and Awe as particularly affected mining pollution, where locals attribute environmental degradation to the operations of Multiverse Mining Company, reportedly owned by Chinese interests. According to Jakpor, these communities have suffered severe environmental damage, with similar complaints emerging from Uke district, following the discovery of lithium and gold in April 2024. Local residents reported an influx of outsiders that has heightened tensions and discomfort.
Barrister Chima Williams, Executive Director of EDEN, revealed that findings, including amateur video footage, show ongoing environmental violations that remain unchecked. He emphasized the vulnerability of local communities, who feel powerless despite their efforts to remain law-abiding.
Williams called for the establishment of “Mining Monitors” composed of representatives from host communities, the Ministry of Mining, and Civil Defence, to oversee mining activities, ensure compliance, and arrest illegal miners for further investigation and prosecution.
Comrade Sani Baba, Executive Director of CFSF, praised the patience of the residents of Awe and Karu LGAs. However, he expressed disappointment at the findings, which confirmed longstanding concerns about the unchecked extraction of solid minerals in the region.
The petition to the Nasarawa State Assembly urged that Multiverse Mining Company be held accountable for environmental cleanup and other necessary remediation efforts in Uke district and Abuni community.
