Residents of Amalokpa Amaonye community in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have petitioned the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to demand an investigation into alleged illegal mining activities and seek N3 billion compensation for the destruction of farmlands and other properties.
In a petition addressed to the Commandant-General of the NSCDC and copied to the Commandant of the Mining Marshal, the community accused Greenfield Metals Limited and its owner, Chief Henry Ahanotu, of illegally acquiring mining rights over land belonging to the people without their consent.
The petition, which was made available to Journalists and signed by the Chairman of the Amalokpa Development Association (ADA), Mr. Ajah Friday, alleged that the company registered mining coordinates covering deposits of lead and zinc on community land without obtaining the approval of the landowners.
According to the petitioners, they discovered that the company’s exploration licences had expired in 2024 and that the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals Development had reportedly advised the Mining Cadastre Office not to renew the licences following investigations into the dispute.
The community further alleged that despite the expiration of the licences, Greenfield Metals Limited forcefully entered the disputed land, destroying economic trees, cassava farms, rice fields and other crops valued at over N3 billion.
The petition also accused the company of sponsoring hoodlums who allegedly attacked a community meeting on September 27, 2025, where villagers had gathered to deliberate on selecting a mining investor for the area.
The residents claimed that several people sustained injuries during the attack, while houses, motorcycles, windows and other personal property worth millions of naira were vandalised.
They further alleged that armed men have continued to invade the community, intimidating residents and assaulting women and children, forcing many adult males to flee the village over fears for their safety.
The community urged the NSCDC Mining Marshal to investigate the allegations, immediately halt what it described as illegal mining activities on the disputed land, and ensure the vacation of the mining site pending the resolution of the dispute.
The petitioners also demanded that Chief Henry Ahanotu and Greenfield Metals Limited publish an unreserved apology in at least two national newspapers or on a national television station for the alleged division and destruction caused in the community.
The community is seeking N3 billion as compensation for the alleged destruction of farms and other properties.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Governor of Ebonyi State and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
