The Berom Youth Molders-Association (BYM) has called for the immediate revocation of Mining Lease No. ML-129, allegedly issued to Joshua Egbagbe for mining activities in Latya, Du District, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. At a press conference in Jos, BYM President Solomon Mwantiri alleged that the lease was obtained without due consideration for landowners and the host community. The group disputes the validity of ML-129 and its relationship with an earlier Mining Lease No. ML-126.
According to BYM, the dispute centres on the validity of ML-129, its relationship with ML-126, and alleged failure by Egbagbe to comply with community consent and development obligations. The association recognises the Federal Government's constitutional ownership of mineral resources but argues that this ownership does not extinguish the lawful interests of landowners and host communities. The group questions the genuineness and validity of ML-129, citing that it covers land previously associated with ML-126.
The BYM alleged that Egbagbe obtained ML-129 over the disputed area without waiting for the determination of a related court matter or securing the required consent. The group also alleges that the host community had not given the required consent for the mining activities and that no Community Development Agreement had been executed. Furthermore, BYM accuses Egbagbe of using the police and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to intimidate community members.
The association has called on the Plateau State Police Command and NSCDC to investigate the deployment of their personnel to the mining site. BYM also demands an investigation into the relationship between ML-126 and ML-129 and the circumstances under which ML-129 was processed and granted. The group urges the Mining Cadastre Office and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to authenticate the lease and verify compliance with Community Development Agreement requirements.
The BYM demands the withdrawal of police and other security personnel from the mining site within 24 hours, in the absence of a valid court order or lawful directive. The group also calls for the release of any community member being unlawfully detained. The association has given the Federal and Plateau State governments one week to respond to its demands and revoke ML-129, failing which it will exercise its constitutional right to peaceful assembly and lawful protest.
Reacting to the accusations, Joshua Egbagbe described the allegations as false, saying the mining site had not been in operation for three years due to being taken over. Egbagbe attributed the allegations to "corruption fighting back" and claimed he had all the necessary documents and papers relating to the mining site and the lease. He said the records were available to establish his claim over the property.
The BYM allegations have sparked a dispute over the mining lease, with the group threatening to protest if its demands are not met. The Plateau State Police Command and NSCDC have been tasked with investigating the allegations and the deployment of security personnel to the mining site. The Federal and Plateau State governments have been given a one-week ultimatum to respond to the demands and revoke ML-129.
Key points
- The Berom Youth Molders-Association demands the revocation of Mining Lease No. ML-129, alleging it was obtained without community consent.
- The group disputes the validity of ML-129 and its relationship with an earlier Mining Lease No. ML-126.
- Joshua Egbagbe has described the allegations as false, attributing them to "corruption fighting back".
