Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, has called on mining host communities across the state to embrace peace, unity, and cooperation with investors to ensure sustainable development and mutual benefits.
Dr. Jatau made the call when he visited Igwo community in Agwada District of Kokona Local Government Area on Thursday to mediate in a dispute between residents and a mining company operating in the area.
Igwo and its neighbouring communities—Agbadu, Agaza, and Egboka—are blessed with abundant natural resources, particularly lithium, which is currently being explored by Black Gen New Energy Ltd. However, tensions recently erupted over alleged land encroachment and ownership disputes linked to the company’s operations.
During the peace visit, the Speaker held an expanded meeting with community representatives, security agencies, and local authorities at the palace of the Village Head of Igwo, Alh. Muhammed Otogoyi. The meeting aimed to address grievances and restore harmony among the affected communities.
Representatives of the communities, including Mr. Ayuba Osu (Agwada), Abraham Kwose (Egboka), and Saidu Haruna (Agaza), voiced concerns over alleged lack of transparency in the company’s operations and fears of losing ancestral lands. They cited issues related to Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and Rights of Occupancy (R of O), which they claimed were being used to take over their lands.
Responding to the allegations, the company’s Liaison Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Bitrus, dismissed claims of land seizure, clarifying that the lands were only leased for a specified period. He maintained that the firm followed due process and has been implementing all agreed community development projects in line with its obligations.
Also speaking, a community leader, Mr. Ibrahim Osanga, alleged that a portion of his family’s land was taken over by the Nasarawa Geographic Information Service (NAGIS) and allocated to another community, noting that the matter is already before a court.
The Deputy Chairman of Kokona Local Government, the Speaker of the Legislative Council, the Administrator of Agwada District, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Luka Osu, and the Village Head of the area all stressed the importance of unity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence for collective progress.
After hearing from all parties, Speaker Jatau expressed concern over the growing tension and urged the people to avoid internal conflicts that could hinder development. He revealed that he had already briefed Governor Abdullahi Sule on the situation, assuring that efforts were ongoing to find a lasting solution.
The Speaker commended the governor for attracting investors to the state, noting that mining investments could transform local economies if host communities cooperate.
“When brothers fight, strangers inherit their properties,” he said, warning that division and selfishness often rob communities of their blessings. He encouraged residents to set aside personal interests and prioritize peace, unity, and collective progress.
Dr. Jatau also visited the palace of Osu Agwada, His Royal Highness Alh. Abubakar Sadiq, where discussions centered on fairness in land consent processes, preventing rivalry between mining companies, and ensuring equitable community development.
He reaffirmed that the state government remains committed to promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development across all mining host communities.
While in the area, the Speaker also paid a condolence visit to the APC Ward Chairman, Mr. Solomon Sarki, over the death of his mother, the late Juma Sarki.
