The people of Itasa community in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State, have decried the unprofitable exploitation of their land by a Mining company, Architype Industries Nigeria Limited, for the past 25 years.
The Itasa youths and leaders, who carried out a peaceful protest in the community on Monday, accused Architype of failing to deliver a single community development project despite generating vast profits from their natural resources for the past 25 years.
They appealed to the federal and state governments through their relevant agencies to intervene immediately and take action against the mining company for disregarding the law.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Itasa Community Development Association, Alh. Banji Isiaka Odedele, expressed his frustration and anger at the mining company’s deliberate refusal to sign the Community Development Agreement (CDA), and disregard for their well-being.
According to him, the owner of Architype, Engr Ajibade, has refused to sign CDA as mandated by the Mining Management Act, and has not conducted Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before mining on Itasa land.
Odedele said that the protest was because of the injustice that the mining company was perpetrating on their land for over two decades, and its refusal to adhere to laid down procedures.
“For the past 25 years this company has been exploiting our resources and degrading our environment and livelihoods with no single particular project in our community.
“We have written a letter to them to stop illegal mining on our land with effect from January 28, 2025, but they have refused to stop till now.
“We have been taken for granted for far too long.
“The mining company has made billions from our resources, but what have they given back to us? Nothing.
“No roads, no schools, no healthcare facilities. It’s unacceptable.
“We demand that the company signs the CDA agreement, conduct EIA and commits to meaningful community development projects.
“No signed CDA and EIA, No mining; stop destroying our environment because of profit,” Odedele said.
Also speaking, the community Youth leader, Busari Muritala, corroborated Odedele’s claims, stressing that in spite generating vast profits from the community’s natural resources, Architype has failed to deliver a single project that benefits the community.
According to him, the community’s frustration is compounded by the mining company’s blatant refusal to sign the CDA and carry out EIA for the past 25 years.
“This agreement would ensure that the company contributes to the community’s development and provides fair compensation for the use of their resources.
“Instead, the mining company has continued to prioritize its own interests, leaving the community to suffer from environmental degradation, displacement, and economic marginalization.
“We don’t want to take law into our hands, and that is why we embarked on this peaceful protest to demand for our rights,” Muritala said.
In his remarks, the Traditional ruler of Itapa community, HRH Oba Sijuola Michael Oyediran, said the community’s several pleas for fair treatment and meaningful engagement had fallen on deaf ears for 25 years.
“Many neighbouring communities who also have miners on their land, have been enjoying the benefits of their mineral resources, but Itapa community has never benefitted from Architype.
“The people of Itapa community are now calling on the government to intervene immediately and take action against the mining company for disregarding the law.
“We urge the government to take our plight seriously and hold the mining company accountable for their actions, and compel them to do the right thing,” the royal father said.
The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions such as: “Architype Is Enslaving Us Over 25 Years Without CDA and EIA, Leave Our Land.
“No CDA/EIA, No More Mining”, “Stop Illegal Mining On Itasa Land”, among others.
The protesters claimed that Architype is mining mineral resources such as Kunzite, Tantalite, Morganite, etc.
According to them, both kunzite and morganite is coming out in tons and tantalite is coming out in kilograms.
The community’s demands come as tensions between residents and the mining company continue to escalate.
With the government’s intervention, the community hopes to finally receive the justice and fair treatment they deserve.
Responding to the allegations, Engr Adeniran Ajibade, the Managing Director Architype Industries Nigeria Limited, denied the allegations of illegal mining, insisting that his company is fully licensed by the Federal Government.
Ajibade, however expressed readiness to return to the negotiation table with the community.
“I am not an illegal miner. I have met with the youths, the monarch, and other stakeholders before.
“I am willing to review the existing CDA under the supervision of the Mine Environment Compliance Department of the Federal Ministry of Mining and Solid Minerals.
“Let us continue negotiations to resolve this matter,” he said.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
