Ebonyi Community Petitions NSCDC Over Alleged Illegal Mining, Seeks N3bn Damages
By Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Amalokpa Amaonye community in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has petitioned the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), calling for an investigation into alleged illegal mining activities and demanding N3 billion compensation for the destruction of farmlands and other community assets.
In the petition addressed to the Commandant-General of the NSCDC and copied to the Commandant of the Mining Marshal, the community accused Greenfield Metals Limited and its proprietor, Chief Henry Ahanotu, of unlawfully acquiring mining rights over ancestral land without the consent of the landowners.
The petition, signed by the Chairman of the Amalokpa Development Association (ADA), Mr. Ajah Friday, and made available to journalists, alleged that the company secured mining coordinates for lead and zinc deposits located on community land without obtaining the required approval from the people.
According to the petitioners, investigations revealed that Greenfield Metals Limited’s exploration licences expired in 2024 and were not renewed after the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals Development reportedly advised the Mining Cadastre Office against extending the permits following inquiries into the ownership dispute.
Despite the alleged expiration of the licences, the community claimed that the company continued operations on the disputed land, destroying cassava farms, rice fields, economic trees and other agricultural investments estimated to be worth more than N3 billion.
The petition also alleged that individuals suspected to be sponsored by the company disrupted a community meeting held on September 27, 2025, where residents had gathered to discuss the selection of a mining investor for the area.
The community claimed the attack left several people injured, while houses, motorcycles, windows and other valuable property were damaged.
Residents further alleged that armed men have repeatedly invaded the community, threatening villagers and assaulting women and children, forcing many residents, particularly adult males, to flee for fear of further attacks.
The petition urged the NSCDC Mining Marshal to investigate the allegations, stop all mining activities on the disputed site and ensure the immediate closure of the location pending the resolution of the ownership dispute.
The community also demanded that Chief Henry Ahanotu and Greenfield Metals Limited issue an unreserved public apology through at least two national newspapers or a national television station for the alleged hardship, destruction and division caused within the community.
In addition to seeking N3 billion in compensation for the alleged destruction of farms and other property, the petition was copied to the Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Governor of Ebonyi State and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The Greenfield Metals Limited and Chief Henry Ahanotu had not publicly responded to the claims at the time of filing this report.
