By Patrick Ahanor
Benin City
The controversy surrounding the disputed Obu Mine site in Okpilla, Edo state yesterday deepened following the arrest of two employees of BUA International Limited.
The employees were arrested by a combined security team of the Nigerian Army, the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and Department of State Services (DSS) for violating the government directive on “stop work order”.
Edo state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who also visited the site, ordered the arrest of the two employees.
Commander of 4 Brigade, Major General Ibrahim Garba, who led the Army personnel to the enforcement exercise, directed that explosives being used for the mining activities be confiscated, adding, “We gave permission for the explosives to be used here. But now, they would be sent to the brigade headquarters.”
Two companies, BUA and Dangote Group, are claiming ownership of the mine site which prompted the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to issue the “stop work order” pending the outcome of litigation in court.
Obaseki said that the state government was more interested in the security of lives and property, adding that “much as there was need for investors to make returns on their investment, no money is worth any life.”
According to him, “I addressed a section of the Okpella community who came to me to express concerns about the growing tension in the community because of the dispute.
“At that point, I issued instructions that the work should stop in line with the Federal Government directive and the case in court. I said that status quo be maintained until the determination of the case in court.
“It was regrettable that having gotten the directive, the management of BUA International Limited went on air to say that the state government has no authority and right to enforce a federal government directive.
“What they are saying in essence is that government does not matter. That sort of utterance and position is very dangerous for our country.”
