Adamawa flood victims urge FG to investigate company involvement

Victims of the recent flood in Yola town of Adamawa have urged the Federal Government to investigate the role of a mining company, whose dam released excess water on the day of the incident.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the incident, which occurred on July 28, affected about 4,000 households with 23 lives lost and many others hospitalised.

The victims who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria called on the federal government and other partners to be involved in the investigation of the mining company.

They also alleged that officials of the state have absolved the company of any wrongdoing.

We have video evidence of water gushing out of the company’s fabricated Dam for mining and excavation at Bolle which was busted or opened to release water by the company.

“Unfortunately, when we complained to state government officials at Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) and the State Ministry of Environment, they simply said the company has no case to answer.

“We want the Federal Ministry of Environment and other relevant ministries and agencies at the federal and international level to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.

We have heavier downpours than the one on that faithful day but no disastrous flooding took place,” one of the victims, Musa Yakubu, said.

Babayola, a victim said that there was a need for an investigation of the company because many people are angry and might be hostile to the company`s continuous operations in the area.

“To most of us the devastating flood is directly linked to mining-induced terrain destabilising in Bole.

“This catastrophe illustrates the escalating consequences of ignoring illegal mining activity and underscores the urgent need for regulatory intervention,” Babayola said.

He insisted that the mining and excavation in Bole have already begun to destroy local farmland and forest reserves.

According to him, on the day of the incident, it took the intervention of security personnel to prevent mob action against the company`s personnel.

He said some people alleged that some government officials are close to the company and were trying to shield it at all costs.

Hajara Abubakar said the investigation became necessary for health reasons as water from the company’s mining dam contains chemicals, flooded many wards and might pose a major threat to water bodies and public health.

Sunday Isaac said that the investigation became necessary because nobody believed the state government`s position in absolving the company.

“We saw how the government shared expired food items with us and insisting the items were okay but later accepted when confronted with evidence.

“People no longer trust the state government`s position on issues regarding this flood, hence the need for the Federal Government`s intervention to clear our suspicion and feelings towards the company,” Isaac said.

Meanwhile, the Adamawa Commissioner for Environment, Mohammed Sadiq who is one of those who absolve the mining company of culpability, said the company’s activities are in compliance with laws and regulations.

“The company has provided all relevant documentation required for its operations, the claim that the company is operating illegally is baseless, unfounded and a gross misrepresentation of the facts,” Sadiq said.

Speaking about the dam, the commissioner explained that water is a critical component in mining processes and that the construction of an earth dam or reservoir is standard industry practice.

He emphasised that the dam includes a properly engineered spillway to discharge excess water safely.

According to him, the volume from such spillages on that faithful day cannot account for the scale of flooding experienced.