Imaobong Umoekah StàndbyNetwork
Ekid communities in Eket and Esit Eket local government areas of Akwa Ibom state have taken a stand against the Chinese firm, Ruitai Mining Ltd, accusing them of engaging in illegal mining activities. The communities, represented by the Ekid Peoples Union (EPU), assert that the firm has been unlawfully extracting the mineral resource, limonite, from their lands in the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, also known as Akoiyak Ekid.
…the community demanded the immediate cessation of these activities and insisted on adherence to the law.
In a significant feature news development, members of the Ekid People in Eket and Esit Eket local government areas of Akwa Ibom state have issued a quit notice to Ruitai Mining Ltd, a Chinese mining company.
The Ekid Peoples Union (EPU) accused the firm of engaging in illegal mining of limonite, a mineral resource, on their lands situated within the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, also known as Akoiyak Ekid.
EPU’s President-General, Samuel Udonsak, revealed in a press conference that the Chinese company was conducting unauthorized mining activities at night, allegedly with support from certain state government officials.
Udonsak emphasized that this act not only violated Nigeria’s existing laws but also showed a complete disregard for the Ekid community’s rights.
According to the President-General of EPU, Samuel Udonsak, the Chinese company is conducting these operations at night with the support of certain state government officials. Udonsak emphasized that these activities are in violation of Nigerian laws and show a lack of respect for the Ekid community, as the firm did not seek their authorization or consent for the mining operations. He stated, “This illegal mining, usually carried out in the night and its product transported out of the state in trucks clandestinely is alleged to be actively encouraged by certain elements in government. As of today, neither the Chinese Company nor their agents in government has informed the community of this ongoing illegal activity. This action is in complete breach of extant laws.”
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