Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Friday called for calm and understanding among stakeholders in Okobo-Enjema Community in Akpa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the community got embroiled in crisis with a mining company in the area, Eta-Zuma Group (W/A) Limited.
The disagreement attracted the attention of the state government.
The community had accused the coal-mining company of obstructing legally recognised artisan miners from their activities.
The development prompted the State Government to order the company to temporarily cease
mining activities.
In a statement issued in Lokoja by his Media Aide, Onogwu Mohammed, and made available to newsmen, the governor called for peace between the community and the company.
He said that his administration was working out a lasting solution to minimise dispute in the area “for the benefit of all the stakeholders”.
“There is need for residents of Okobo-Enjema to maintain peace and tranquility amidst the ongoing dispute with the mining company.
“My administration is very much committed to finding a comprehensive and lasting solution to the disagreement between mining corporations and host communities in the state.
“This is because it is the fundamental responsibility of the government to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its citizenry,” Bello said.
NAN
