Magnus Eze, Enugu

Coal bearing communities of Enugu, in Enugu State are demanding  about N750billion compensation from the Federal Government for the devastation of their land following years of coal mining.

They also lamented that their people could no longer gainfully practise farming on their vast land because of uncovered mines littering the area, while faulting the abandonment of ex-employees who had spent their productive years in the mines without due compensation.

The Agbaja Leaders of Thought in a communiqué made available to Daily Sun in Enugu, yesterday, threatened to seek legal redress if their demand was not met and in good time.

The communiqué was signed by the Director, Media and Publicity, Prof. Agu Gab Agu; Director, Strategy and Research, Prof. Ike Oluka and Director, Contact and Mobilisation, Prince Richard Ozobu.

Part of the statement  read: “It should be noted that for a long period in the nation’s history, coal was the major source of energy. It powered electricity generation and the rail network in Nigeria; among others. “It is therefore very unfortunate that with the ill-thought out closure of the mines, without consultation with the host communities, many Nigerians who had invested their entire productive lives to the coal industry were thrown out of job and have been languishing in penury ever since with the attendant effect on their dependants.

“It is even more pathetic and unjust that the mines were not well secured which has given rise to cave-ins and landslides in the Agbaja nation, depriving the populace of farming space and living together along with the threat to lives and property.

“We therefore, demand that the Federal Government pay us immediately the sum of 750billion naira for removing the belly of our lands and exposing us to danger and likelihood of famine. It is our resolve to seek judicial adjudication if our demand is not met and in time too.”

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