NEWS

AFO YOUTH MOBILITY SECURES LANDMARK COURT INJUNCTION TO PROTECT ODU/UDEGE HOST COMMUNITY FROM CHINESE THE COMPANY 

By Ahmad Abubakar 

The Afo Youth Mobility, officially registered as the Afo Youth Mentorship Initiative with the Corporate Affairs Commission, has achieved a remarkable legal victory in its relentless pursuit of justice for the Odu/ Udege community. On November 19, 2024, the High Court of Justice, Keffi, presided over by Hon. Justice Rose G. Soji, granted an injunction restraining Kenyang Mining Company from continuing excavation activities in the paddock area of the community until the company fulfills its obligation to reclaim previously excavated land.  

This victory follows the tireless efforts of the Afo Youth Mobility and courageous community members, including Umar Samaila Egya, Oboshi Ekpeji, Janet Eshimutu, Abdullahi Osu, and nine others, who filed the suit to compel Kenyang Mining Company to honor its agreement. Representing the interests of the host community, they stood firm against the exploitation and neglect of a company that has consistently reneged on its agreement.

On September 26, 2021, Kenyang Mining Company entered into an agreement with the Udege/Odu host community for seamless excavation of a demarcated 32-meter area in Paddock A. The agreement mandated the company to commence reclamation of excavated land extending up to 50 meters upon completing the initial excavation, with reclamation to be completed within two years. The host community fulfilled its part of the agreement, ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for Kenyang’s operations.  

Despite numerous reminders and official letters from the host community, dated October 2, 2022; December 20, 2022; and April 4, 2023, Kenyang Mining Company has failed to reclaim the land as agreed. Instead, the company has sought to expand its excavation activities, threatening residential areas and sacred sites, including graveyards.  

This breach of trust has left vast stretches of land unsafe and unusable, exposing residents to serious hazards. Open excavation sites have turned into death traps, and the continued encroachment poses a grave risk of displacing families and eroding cultural heritage. The company’s actions also violate the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, which mandates a minimum 50-meter setback from inhabited areas and requires operators to rehabilitate and reclaim land affected by mining activities (Section 116).  

The court’s decision to grant the injunction is a pivotal step toward holding Kenyang Mining Company accountable. The injunction prevents further excavation until the substantive motion is heard, ensuring the community’s safety and forcing the company to confront its legal and moral obligations.  

The Afo Youth Mobility has proven itself as a fearless advocate for justice, standing firm against exploitation. This victory is a reflection of the resilience of the Odu/ Udege people, who have extended goodwill and cooperation to Kenyang Mining Company, only to be met with betrayal and neglect.  

We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the global community to support the Odu/ Udege host community in their fight for fairness and dignity. Kenyang Mining Company must be held accountable, not only to the courts but to the humanity it has failed.  

The Afo Youth Mobility remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting its people and ensuring that agreements are honored. This is not just a victory for Odu/ Udege—it is a triumph for justice and the rule of law.  

Afo Youth Mobility: Leading the Charge for Justice.

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