A group under the banner of Concerned Kogi Youths Against Environmental Degradation has called on youths of Kogi East to rise in defence of their ancestral land over alleged exploitation of mineral resources.
In an open letter dated 1st September, 2026, the Convener, I.D. Ijele, said, “I speak to you today not from the standpoint of politics, but from a deep place of sadness, frustration and concern.”
According to him, “Our land, the land owned by our people, the land our forefathers fought to preserve and handed down to us is being torn apart and exploited, by foreign interests (Chinese) working in collaboration with a few of our own brothers under the guise of bringing investors to our communities.”
He stated that “Investment should bring development, opportunities and prosperity to the people whose land and resources are being exploited. Any investment in Igala land that does not meaningfully benefit the people and host communities cannot be described as responsible investment.”
Ijele noted that “under the 1999 Constitution, as amended, mineral resources are vested in the Federal Government. However, the rights and interests of landowners and host communities cannot simply be ignored.”
He added that “Where mining activities result in surface damage, destruction of economic trees, loss of use of land or other legitimate losses, affected persons are entitled to appropriate compensation under applicable Nigerian laws and regulations.”
Quoting the scriptures, he said, “And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety. Leviticus 25:19” and “Surah Al-An’am (6:141): ‘Eat of the fruit of each when it bears fruit and pay the due thereof on the day of its harvest…’ If you are not paying us our dues then u are Shetan!”
“We cannot continue to watch helplessly while billions of naira worth of resources are extracted from our communities, while our youths remain unemployed, our communities remain underdeveloped, and the people whose ancestral land carries these resources continue to struggle. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” he declared.
He stressed that “This is not about hatred for investors. It is not about chasing legitimate businesses away. It is about demanding justice, transparency, accountability, environmental responsibility and meaningful benefits for our people.”
On the planned action, he announced, “THURSDAY, 3RD SEPTEMBER 2026 — WE STAND TOGETHER” and said, “This Thursday, I call on the youths of Kogi East, at home and in Abuja, to rise peacefully and lawfully in defence of our collective interests.”
“Wherever you are, stand up for your people in whatever lawful way you can. If you can attend, attend. If you can support the mobilisation, support it. If you can lend your voice, speak up,” he urged.
He added, “For coordination and support towards the mobilisation of our people at home and in Abuja, please reach out to Omera Ugbede, Joshua Ocheje and other designated coordinators.”
“Let nobody mistake our peaceful engagement for weakness. Peaceful assembly and expression of grievances are fundamental rights. We must, however, exercise those rights responsibly, peacefully and within the law. There must be no destruction of property, violence, intimidation or confrontation with security personnel or other citizens,” he said.
Speaking on the Abuja protest, Ijele said, “In Abuja, we are not gathering to wander around the city aimlessly. We intend to assemble peacefully at the appropriate offices and institutions responsible for solid minerals and natural resources and formally present our concerns and demands to the relevant authorities, including the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the National Assembly and other appropriate government institutions.”
“Our objective is simple: to demand answers, accountability and a seat at the table for the affected communities,” he explained.
Listing the demands, he said, “OUR DEMANDS ARE SIMPLE 1. The immediate and unconditional release of Tony Tony. 2. A formal meeting with the affected host communities in Abuja, involving all relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Government, the mining operators, representatives of the host communities and the Kogi State Government.”
“We are not asking for the impossible. We are asking that the people whose land and natural resources are involved should not be treated as strangers in their own home,” he said.
He concluded, “To our youths: this is bigger than political parties, personalities and individual interests. This is about our land. This is about our communities. This is about our economic future. This is about what we will leave behind for the generation coming after us. If we get it right, Igala land can become a centre of genuine investment, employment, infrastructure and sustainable development. But it will require courage, unity, discipline and responsible leadership from all of us. Let us stand together. Let us speak with one voice. Let us remain peaceful. Our land. Our resources. Our people. Our future. Enough is enough!”
