Ebonyi State government has ordered mining companies in Afikpo local government area of the state to henceforth stop all mining operations in some affected areas in the local government.
According to the state government, the order followed incessant complaints and petitions against some mining firms in the local government by landlords and the host communities.
The state commissioner for Mining and Solid Minerals Development, Mr Chidi Onyia, gave the directive while addressing representatives of a Chinese Mining Construction Company, Anli and Kaisheng Mining Company, operating in Afikpo and Amasiri communities.
Mr. Oniya expressed regret that despite the invitation extended to Woda Mountain Construction Company, the company failed to send any representation.
Mr Onyia insisted that no mining exploration or activity should continue in the affected areas until the firms properly entered into a Community Development agreements with Ihie village, in Amasiri Autonomous community which is the firm’s host.
He mandated the management of WODA Mountain Company to report to the ministry within seven days.
He similarly gave a seven-day ultimatum to the three mining firms in Afikpo and Amasiri communities to comply with the directives otherwise risk losing their operation right in the said communities.
Mr Onyia declared as null and void the purported Community Development Agreement, CDA (Lease agreement) between WODA Mountain Company with their Amasiri host community.
