By Abubakar Yunusa
The Ukomu Igala Organisation has called on the Federal Government to urgently audit companies and consortia operating coal mines in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The group made the demand in a communique issued after an emergency meeting with Igala elders, community leaders and political stakeholders held in Abuja on August 12, 2026.
The communique was signed by Maj. Gen. James Alilu Ataguba (retd.), Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), Hassan Paul Abara, Unekwu Ocheje and Commodore Godwin Obaje (retd.), mni.
The organisation said the audit should focus on the activities of persons, companies and consortia granted coal mining licences to operate in Ankpa.
It also called for an assessment of the impact of the mining activities on host communities, the environment and infrastructure, as well as the corporate social responsibility initiatives of the companies.
The group urged the Minister of Solid Minerals Development to treat the matter as an issue of urgent national importance.
The UIO said its intervention followed concerns over what it described as harmful and destructive mining activities in Ankpa, as well as the alleged victimisation of members of host communities.
It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of an Igala social critic and activist, Abdulwahab Tijani, popularly known as Mr Tony-Tony.
The organisation alleged that Tijani was unlawfully detained for participating in a peaceful protest organised by his community against the activities of companies and individuals involved in coal mining in the area.
The group, however, said it did not oppose the lawful enforcement of Nigerian laws by constituted authorities.
It condemned what it described as the “brutal assault” on the activist and alleged violation of his fundamental rights.
The UIO urged host communities in Ankpa and Ibaji Local Government Areas to remain peaceful and seek redress through legal and constitutional channels.
It also called on Igala people to promote unity, love and peaceful coexistence.
The organisation further renewed its opposition to the Kogi State Government’s cashew trading policy and the Kogi State Oil Producing Community Law.
It argued that the law excluded host communities from participating in the administration of their natural resources and benefiting from them.
The group also condemned the alleged use of local vigilantes, including those commonly referred to as “Akpa-Kpo” in Igala land, by government officials, politicians and wealthy individuals.
It alleged that such groups were sometimes used to harass, intimidate, injure and, in extreme cases, eliminate political rivals or people with opposing views.
The UIO also warned Igala politicians and their supporters against violence, aggression, insults and provocation ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
It called on security agencies deployed to Kogi State, including the military, police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to remain neutral and responsive to their constitutional responsibilities.
The group urged the security agencies to operate without favouritism, patronage or intimidation of innocent and law-abiding residents.
The organisation also decried what it described as the lopsided distribution of development projects by the Kogi State Government.
It alleged that development projects were concentrated in one senatorial district while Kogi East had suffered “protracted and deliberate neglect” under the current and previous administrations.
The UIO urged the authorities to address the concerns raised in the interest of peace, justice and sustainable development in Kogi State.
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