Imiokpe Community Accuses BUA Cement of Exploitation, Issues 7-Day Ultimatum Over Alleged Illegal Operations
The Imiokpe community in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has accused BUA Cement Plc of exploitation, manipulation, and continued illegal mining operations without transparency or accountability.
In a petition and demand notice sent to relevant authorities, the community alleged that BUA Cement is attempting to impose a “One-Centre” Community Development Agreement (CDA) across Okpella — a move they described as unlawful and contrary to Section 116(1) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007. The Act mandates mining companies to execute CDAs directly with their actual host communities, not with broader or centralized entities.
According to the petition, ownership of land in Okpella resides with individual kindreds, who are legally 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 statement emphasized.
Under Nigerian law, a Community Development Agreement outlines a mining company’s responsibilities to its host community, including social investments, infrastructure, and local employment opportunities. These agreements are meant to ensure that directly affected communities benefit from mining activities.
However, the Imiokpe community claims that despite the expiration of what they termed an “aberrated” CDA in November 2024, BUA Cement has continued to extract limestone, laterite, clay, and iron ore from the Ikpe-Obia and Oke-Igholi mining sites without a valid agreement.
They accused the company of “daylight exploitation,” citing poor royalties, exclusion of community representatives from employment opportunities, and neglect of social infrastructure commitments.
“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.
In a final demand notice, the Imiokpe community issued a seven-day ultimatum to BUA Cement to halt efforts to impose a centralized CDA and instead negotiate a lawful agreement directly with the legitimate host community.
They warned that failure to comply would result in immediate legal action, including seeking an injunction to stop all ongoing mining operations, the revocation of the company’s mining licence, and claims for compensation over alleged years of exploitation and neglect.
“We are prepared to defend our rights through every lawful means available,” the petition stated. “If BUA Cement fails to comply with the Minerals and Mining Act by executing a proper CDA with its rightful host communities, we will not hesitate to take appropriate legal steps.”
The community further warned that no corporate influence or political alliance would shield the company from accountability.
“The era of intimidation and exploitation is over. Either BUA obeys the law or faces the full weight of justice,” the kindred declared.
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