Nkechinyere Ewa
Amaonye community in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has reaffirmed its support for Greenfield Metals Ltd, distancing itself from allegations circulating on social media against the mining firm.
The community made its position clear on Sunday through a peaceful march by men, women and youths across villages in Amaonye, declaring readiness to partner with the company in harnessing the area’s solid mineral resources while condemning what it described as a coordinated attempt to undermine both the project and community leadership.
The protest followed allegations by a social media critic, Chika Nwoba, who accused the mining company and some community leaders of undermining the family on whose land the mineral deposits were discovered.
Protesters, however, dismissed the claims as false and misleading.
Joseph Chukwu (High Chief), Traditional Prime Minister of Ishiagu, said Amaonye had enjoyed peace for years until some individuals began opposing the company’s operations for personal gains.
“We have been living in peace. But some people have been blocking development for years. Now that God has exposed them and the company has finally come, they are causing trouble,” he said.
“The community carried out an open decision-making process, and the majority agreed that the company should come. We have given them a mandate to start work.”
He advised those fomenting trouble to embrace development, describing the mineral resources as a collective gift.
“This mineral is God’s gift. If you don’t benefit from it today, your children will. Trying to keep people poor so that only a few can be rich is wrong,” he added.
Ndu John, Chairman of Amaonye Community, accused some leaders, including Arc. Moses Ajah, of attempting to sabotage the project.
“The opposition is just trying to jeopardize the effort of Mr. Henry and Greenfield Metals. The company did not come through them, and that is their problem,” he said.
He disclosed that the company has already shown commitment to the community. “They have provided 50 solar street lights, shared some millions of naira with the community, and started construction of a 4–8 kilometre access road to our farmlands,” he said.
On claims that some families were being sidelined, Ndu John insisted otherwise. “We are registering all landlords so nobody will be left out. There is no way we are undermining any family,” he said.
Former community chairman, Hon. Ukpai Nnanna Dennis, said the mining process dates back to 2013 and followed due process.
“Greenfield obtained consent lawfully. Claims that the consent was obtained through the backdoor are lies,” he said, adding that the company has secured the necessary mining documents from relevant authorities.
Women and youth leaders also voiced concern over alleged harassment of community leaders.
A woman leader said, “We mothers are not happy that selfish individuals are using the police to harass our leaders. We want peace. Greenfield has the consent of the community and should be allowed to operate.”
Edward Obinna, Secretary of Amaonye Community, said the land in question, Ekubara, belongs to Amaonye people and that Greenfield enjoys full community backing.
“Greenfield Metals Ltd has 100 percent support of Amaonye community leadership, youths and women. Anyone saying otherwise is sponsored,” he alleged, accusing a rival firm, Palladium Mining Ltd, of fueling the crisis.
An indigene of the community, who also addressed journalists, alleged that attempts by Palladium Mining Ltd to access Ekubara land without licence in September 2025 led to violence, resulting in the death of a community youth.
The community called on the Ebonyi State Government and security agencies to intervene impartially, cautioning social media commentators against spreading unverified claims.
“The public should always seek the truth and balanced reporting,” the community said, insisting that Amaonye remains united in its support for Greenfield Metals Ltd.
When contacted via text message for his reaction, Moses Ajah asked that the enquiring journalists provide a copy of the valid licence of the company.
“Please provide a copy of the valid licence of the said company to enable us discuss as guided by the Mining Act. Kindly obtain the profile of the land owners for the affected cadastral area,” he said.
Ajah also requested to be availed of formal interfaces with the relevant parties.