Victims of the recent flood disaster in Yola, the Adamawa State capital 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 Nigeria, NAN, 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 NAN, 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 busted or opened to released 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 levels to conduct an independent investigation on the matter.
“We have had heavier downpours than the one on that faithful day but no disastrous flooding took place,” Musa Yakubu, a victim said.
Babayola, a victim said there is need for investigation of the company because many people are angry and might be hostile to its continuous operation 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,” he said.
He insisted that the mining and excavation in Bole have begun to destroy local farmlands 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 are trying to shield it at all cost.
Another victim 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.
Similarly, Sunday Isaac said investigation had become necessary because nobody believes the state government`s position in absolving the company.
“We saw how it shared expired food items to us and insisted that they 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 towards the company,” Isaac said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Mohammed Sadiq, who is one of those that absolved the mining company of culpability, said its activities are in compliance with laws and regulations.
“The company has provided the relevant documentation required for its operations, the claim that it is operating illegally is baseless, unfounded and a gross misrepresentation of 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. NAN
