Ankpa Coal Mining: Opaluwa Demands Accountability, Accuses Council Chairman of Alleged Revenue Racketeering

A prominent Ankpa voice, Omera Opaluwa, has called for greater accountability in the management of coal mining activities in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, accusing the council chairman of alleged racketeering, intimidation and abuse of local government authority.

Opaluwa made the allegations in a statement ahead of a planned Facebook Live broadcast, where he said he would present further information concerning the administration of the council chairman and the activities of mining operators in the area.

He alleged that the chairman had been involved in coal mining-related racketeering before assuming office and claimed that the practice had allegedly continued under his leadership of the local government.

According to Opaluwa, the alleged activities have affected the development of Ankpa, particularly the condition of roads and other infrastructure in communities where mining operations are taking place.

He further alleged that some mining companies had proposed temporarily suspending certain payments so that the funds could instead be channelled towards fixing roads and other infrastructure across Ankpa and its environs.

Opaluwa claimed that the proposal was rejected, alleging that the council leadership preferred daily charges from mining operators.

He questioned how mining companies could be expected to contribute significantly to road development if they were subjected to what he described as excessive financial demands.

The statement also touched on the reported arrest of a young man identified as Tony Tony, whom Opaluwa said had staged a peaceful protest over the poor condition of roads in Ankpa.

Opaluwa alleged that the council chairman was behind the arrest and accused him of subsequently claiming that the action was ordered by the Kogi State Government.

He further accused the council chairman of allegedly using security agencies and local vigilante groups to intimidate residents who speak against his administration.

The allegations, if substantiated, could raise broader questions about the administration of mineral resources, revenue collection and infrastructure development in the coal-producing communities of Ankpa.

Opaluwa urged Igala stakeholders and residents to demand transparency in the management of coal resources, insisting that the mineral wealth of Ankpa should translate into tangible development for its people.

He said his forthcoming Facebook Live broadcast would provide additional details about the issues raised and promised to draw public attention to the alleged financial charges imposed on mining operators.

The allegations have not been independently verified. The Ankpa Local Government Chairman has also not publicly responded to the claims as of the time of filing this report.

The chairman and other persons mentioned in the allegations have the opportunity to respond, and any response will be given appropriate attention.