Kogi Community illegal Coal Mining Sparks Alarm.

The Ika Community Development Association (ICDA) has issued a strong warning against entering into any agreements with Chinese national Julie Zhuo and her company, Afrasia Mineral Limited, regarding mining activities within their territory.

Community leader Shehu condemned the attempted engagement as a violation of ministerial directives, asserting that the Minister of Solid Minerals had previously designated Orbit Exploration and Natural Products Limited as the sole legitimate entity for Community Development Agreement (CDA) negotiations.

ICDA accuses Afrasia Mineral Limited of pursuing its interests through illicit means, thereby undermining due process. While expressing willingness to collaborate constructively with Orbit Exploration under legal and transparent terms, the ICDA reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and lawful conduct.

The community vowed to resist any imposition of illegality and threatened legal action if necessary. The ICDA, supported by its civil society organization partners, has called on government agencies, particularly the Ministry of Solid Minerals, to intervene and ensure justice prevails. Appeals have also been made to national and international stakeholders to address the Ika community’s struggle against illegal mining and exploitation.