*Govt seal off plant, as jubilant youths chase away workers.*
No fewer than seven staff of Dangote Cement, Obajana in Kogi state were shot and several others injured as over 500 armed members of the state’s security outfit, the Vigilantes, stormed the cement factory in the early hours of today (Wednesday) at the instance of the state governor, Yahaya Bello.
In a media statement by the Corporate Communication Department of Dangote group and made available to Journalists in Lokoja on Wednesday noted that the action of the vigilantes created panic within and surrounding environment of the plant.
The vigilante’s group were allegedly being led by the state Director-General of Lands; Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Commodore Jerry Omodara(rtd), Chairman of Kabba/Bunnu LGA, Chairman of Ijumu LGA and the State ALGON Chairman, Alh. Taofeek; Senior Special Assistant on Job Creation, Mr Dele Iselewa and Chairman of Lokoja LGA, Alh. Mohammed Dansabe.
The vigilante group members were wielding arms of different kinds including local and assorted rifles as residents and passersby scamper for safety.
As at the time of this report seven staff of the cement company were being attended to at the hospitals over the gunshot wounds inflicted on them.
A source who identified some of the vigilante men as thugs said most of them were drawn from state vigilante and hunters who have been working for the state government.
Mr. David Oluruntoba, spokesman for the Oyo Mining host community described the act as primitive and disgraceful, saying the youths of the community can never be used, and will not take part in such ‘evil practices’.
Meanwhile, members of the mining and host communities have condemned the Kogi State Government for what they described as extra-judicial and unlawful deployment of the Vigilantes to cause chaos in the Obajana community.
Recall that the state government has been having running battle with the Dangote Cement Coy over the acquisition of Obajana Cement and state equity shares in the Dangote Cement Limited.
However, the state Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omada rtd said , he has emergency on his hand promising to call later.
In a swift reaction, the Kogi State Government said it has , sealed off the Dangote Cement Factory, Obajana, following agitation by Kogi indigenes on the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of Obajana Cement by Dangote Cement company.
The Kogi State House of Assembly had in its plenary on Tuesday ordered the closure of the company after its investigation that the state has been short-changed in the acquisition deal.
Jubilant youths, who had trooped to the company on hearing the news of the closure, chased workers away but were stopped by Kogi officials, who promptly waded in to avoid damage.
The youths claimed that the Company had neglected the community they are making billions from, despite the fact that residents are dying from illness as a result of pollution.
The state House of Assembly alleged that Dangote, upon invitation by the Assembly, requested for more time but did not appear at the House to show any evidence to the contrary.
The Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo in a statement made available to Journalists in Lokoja on Wednesday said, “
Pursuant to the Constitutional authorities of the Kogi State House of Assembly, and upon petition by the people of Kogi State, an investigation was carried out on the acquisition of Obajana Cement Company by Dangote Company.
“It was found that no valid acquisition took place, as Dangote could not show evidence of what was paid as consideration for the acquisition.
“The Legislators invited the Chairman of the Company, Aliko Dangote, before the house for explanations but he failed to appear before the state Assembly, giving excuses.
The House of Assembly therefore ordered the closure of the company pending when they are able to present it with credible evidence of a valid acquisition.”
The Director-General, Lands, Kogi State, Nasir Ochi, who was also on ground, added, “In this regard, the security agencies were directed to give effect to the resolution. Similarly, the various organs of Government were also informed about this resolution.
“By law, Kogi State House of Assembly can conduct investigation, order anyone to appear before it or produce any document. Failure to obey such summons may lead to the arrest of a Person who failed to appear.
“The Government of the State has an obligation to also respect and give effect to such resolution from the House in the interest of peace and security of the State, and to avoid anarchy or breakdown of law and order.
“In this regard, Dangote has an obligation to respect and also give effect to the resolution of the Kogi State House of Assembly to avoid any act of lawlessness.”
