An Environmental Advocacy Organisation, the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has condemned the alleged illegal granite mining activities in Imobi Autonomous Community, Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, calling for the immediate intervention of the Abia State Government.
Reports have it that mining operations commenced in the community, without a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or a Community Development Agreement (CDA), both of which are mandatory under Nigerian environmental and mining laws.
It was gathered that a small group of individuals allegedly signed consent documents and registered a mining company without the knowledge or approval of the larger Imobi Autonomous Community, which comprises Amaedi, Amanyanwu, and Onuzo villages.
In a statement in Umuahia, the FENRAD Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nwafor, expressed deep concern over reports that quarrying activities were being initiated in the community without due process, community-wide consent, or compliance with statutory environmental requirements.
According to the organisation, women of the community had led a protest to highlight serious concerns about transparency, legitimacy, and adherence to legal procedures in extractive operations.
It further disclosed that the traditional ruler of Imobi Autonomous Community, Eze Simeon Chimezie Chukwuemeka, through the community’s Secretary General, reportedly stated that the alleged consent for the mining activity was obtained without the knowledge or approval of the traditional institution or the wider community.
The FENRAD warned that granite quarrying, if carried out without strict environmental safeguards, could expose the community to severe environmental and public health risks.
“These risks include land degradation, destruction of farmlands, pollution of surface and groundwater sources, air pollution from dust particles capable of causing respiratory illnesses, excessive noise and vibration, loss of biodiversity, and increased safety hazards from blasting activities and abandoned quarry pits,” Nwafor said.
The group noted that rural communities such as Imobi, which rely heavily on agriculture and natural water sources, remain particularly vulnerable to these environmental impacts.
It called on Governor Alex Otti and the Abia State Government to immediately suspend all quarry-related activities in Imobi Community pending a full investigation, urging the Abia State Ministry of Environment and relevant regulatory agencies to verify the legality of all permits, consent documents, and company registrations associated with the proposed quarry.
It further demanded a transparent and inclusive consultation process, the conduct of an independent Environmental Impact Assessment, and the protection of the community from environmental degradation, livelihood loss, and social conflict.
The FENRAD commended the women of Imobi Autonomous Community for what it described as a peaceful and courageous stand in defence of their environment and future generations.
Stressing that development must not come at the expense of environmental sustainability, community rights, and the rule of law, the group said it would continue to monitor developments and provide advocacy and legal support where necessary.
