Women of Imobi Community in Abia State Protest Alleged Illegal Granite Mining, Demand Governor Otti's Intervention
Scores of women from Imobi Autonomous Community in Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday to demand immediate intervention by Governor Alex Otti and the state government to halt what they describe as illegal granite mining operations in their area.
The protesters, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “The consent letter was signed by improper persons and should be forfeited”, “No change of consent letter, no commencement of quarry operations”, “Lime I International Nigeria Ltd is not known to our community”, and “No community development agreement with Imobi, no commencement of quarry operations”, expressed strong opposition to the mining activities.
They raised concerns over potential environmental hazards, including degradation that could affect farmlands, water sources, and the overall well-being of the community. The women insisted that mining should not proceed without a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a legitimate community development agreement, and inclusive involvement of the entire community.
Madam Nkechi Uwakwe, a community leader, explained that Imobi Autonomous Community comprises three villages — Amaedi, Amanyanwu, and Onuzo — and that the granite deposits span across all of them. She alleged that a few individuals from one village (Umuanyanwu) were attempting to monopolize the site's benefits without consulting the wider community.
Lolo Florence Uka echoed similar sentiments, stating: “About five persons constituted themselves into beneficiaries of proceeds from the quarry site that belonged to the community. We are pleading with the state government to come in and ensure that proper process is followed. The miners should deal directly with the entire community.”
Mrs. Nene Orieji, another leader, emphasized the need for the governor to prioritize environmental protection, noting the absence of a recognized agreement with the mining company and a comprehensive assessment of the potential impacts on the community. She called on Governor Otti to step in to safeguard residents' safety and interests.
The traditional ruler of Imobi Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Simeon Chimezie Chukwuemeka (Imobi IV), through his representative, Dr. Adindu Kalu (Secretary General of the community), condemned the situation. He revealed that “some people went to Abuja and signed a consent letter and registered a company for mining granite stones without the knowledge of the community.”
The royal father stated that the protest was aimed at demanding the revocation of the existing agreement to better reflect the community's collective interest. He further urged the state government to clarify its involvement in the matter — if any — and to take necessary action to protect communal resources.
The demonstration highlights growing tensions in resource-rich communities across Nigeria, where local residents often demand greater transparency, inclusion, and environmental safeguards in mining operations. The Abia State Government is yet to issue an official response to the protesters' demands.
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