"The Era of Intimidation and Exploitation is Over" Says Imiokpe Community, Accuses BUA Cement of Exploitation, Issues 7-Day Ultimatum Over Illegal Mining
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the Imiokpe community in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has accused BUA Cement Plc of deliberate exploitation, manipulation, and illegal mining operations without due accountability or transparency.
OTN News further reports as gathered that the community in a strongly worded petition and demand notice addressed to relevant authorities, alleged that the cement company is attempting to impose a “One-Centre” Community Development Agreement (CDA) across the entire Okpella area, a move they described as unlawful and contrary to Section 116(1) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
According to the community, the law requires mining companies to sign CDAs directly with their actual host communities, not with a collective or centralized entity.
“Ownership of land rests squarely on kindreds in Okpella, who by law are recognized as host communities. It is our client, as host community, that BUA Cement Plc is mandated to execute a CDA with, not the entire Okpella clan or any so-called central group,” the petition read in part.
OTN News observes that a Community Development Agreement (CDA) under Nigerian mining law defines the obligations of mining companies toward their host communities, particularly in the areas of social investment, infrastructure, environmental protection, and local employment.
Such agreements are designed to ensure that communities affected by mining activities receive fair benefits and are not exploited.
The Imiokpe community further accused BUA Cement of continuing to mine limestone, laterite, clay, and iron ore at the Ikpe-Obia and Oke-Igholi sites even after the expiration of what they described as an “aberrated” CDA in November 2024.
They claimed the company’s actions amount to “daylight exploitation,” alleging that BUA Cement pays inadequate royalties while sidelining the community in employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and key decision-making processes.
“BUA’s pattern is to delay, exploit, and profit without fulfilling its legal and moral obligations to its host communities. This aberration will no longer be tolerated,” the kindred declared.
Issuing a final demand notice, the Imiokpe community gave BUA Cement a seven-day ultimatum to stop attempts to impose a centralized CDA and to instead negotiate a lawful agreement directly with the recognized host community.
They warned that failure to comply would result in immediate legal action to halt all alleged illegal operations and seek the revocation of the company’s mining licence.
“We are prepared to defend our rights through every lawful means available,” the statement read. “If BUA Cement fails to comply with the Minerals and Mining Act by executing a proper CDA with its rightful host communities, we will proceed without hesitation to a court of competent jurisdiction to halt all illegal operations, revoke its mining licence, and demand full restitution for years of exploitation and neglect.”
The community concluded with a stern warning, insisting that no corporate or political influence would shield the company from justice.
“The era of intimidation and exploitation is over. Either BUA obeys the law or faces the full weight of justice,” the statement added.
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