By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all mining activities at the Ameka Mining Site in Ezza South Local Government Area, following rising tensions among stakeholders and operators in the area.
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyia, gave the directive during a joint sealing operation conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and security agencies in Ameka community, Thursday.
According to Onyia, the government’s action became necessary to resolve disputes involving various stakeholders and representatives of mining companies operating in the area.
His words, “The suspension will enable necessary steps to be taken to protect the interests of all stakeholders, including youths and women. The state will not tolerate lawlessness in any part of Ebonyi,” Onyia stated.
He urged youths working in the mining site to remain peaceful while the government liaises with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to ensure lasting peace and fair representation of all parties involved.
According to Onyia, the Ebonyi State Government has also intensified a broader enforcement campaign against illegal mining operations across the state. Onyia said the operation conducted in partnership with federal security and regulatory agencies was part of ongoing efforts to sanitize the sector and ensure compliance with mining and environmental laws.
“This enforcement underscores the government’s zero tolerance for illegal mining. Only duly licensed operators will be allowed to carry out mining activities within Ebonyi State,” he stressed.
The Commissioner for Peace, Border and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwaobashi, called on community leaders, youth representatives, and Royal Salt Limited to draft a new agreement that clearly defines how the interests of all stakeholders will be safeguarded.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Oguzor Ofia Nwali, who hails from the community, advised against any move that could suggest the company intends to resume operations without proper consultations.
He said, “Once the interests of the people are respected, the community will cooperate with the mining company,” Ofianwali assured, emphasizing the need for adequate security at the site.
The Federal Mining Officer in charge of Ebonyi State, Mr. Jaofeeg Afolabi, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting peaceful and lawful mining operations, while the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Emmanuel Nkoro, disclosed that investigations are ongoing to determine the rightful operators of the site.
Two youth representatives, Emmanuel Chidi and Emmanuel Nnoko, appealed for an agreement that would recognize and protect the interests of youths and women who rely on the site for livelihood.
Over 2,000 youths and women are said to be working in the Ameka mining site.
The sealing exercise was carried out under tight security involving personnel from the Army, DSS, EFCC, Police, and NSCDC, to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
