…UIO Petitions IGP, DSS Over Tony-Tony’s Detention, Raises Alarm on Kogi Mining
By Hassan Hussain
A socio-cultural group, the Ukomu Igala Organisation, UIO Worldwide, has called for an independent investigation into the arrest and continued detention of Mallam Abdulwahab Tijani, popularly known as Tony-Tony.
The group also urged the Federal Government to urgently address the environmental, safety, and socio-economic impacts of coal mining activities in Kogi East.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Leader of UIO, retired Major General James Ataguba, said the organisation remained committed to pursuing justice for Mr. Tijani through lawful, peaceful, and constitutional means.
General Ataguba said the group had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, over reports of Mr. Tijani’s alleged assault and continued detention at the Koton-Karfe Correctional Facility.
The petition, he said, seeks an urgent, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the alleged assault, and the continued detention.
The organisation expressed concern over reports that Mr. Tijani sustained injuries to his head and face during his arrest, allegedly by local vigilante operatives acting on the orders of the Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Council.
UIO called on relevant authorities to ascertain Mr. Tijani’s current physical condition and whereabouts, guarantee his safety, and provide medical attention where necessary.
It also urged authorities to take appropriate action against anyone found to have acted unlawfully, while ensuring due process is followed.
On mining activities in Kogi East, the organisation said it had engaged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development over concerns raised by host communities.
It called for a stakeholders’ dialogue involving government agencies, mining operators, host communities, and other relevant actors to address issues of public health and safety, environmental protection, road infrastructure, community development, and responsible mining practices.
The organisation said mineral exploitation should be a win-win venture that contributes to national development while delivering tangible benefits to host communities.
It further called for stricter enforcement of environmental, safety, and community-development standards, as well as meaningful engagement with affected communities.
UIO appealed to the Igala people in Nigeria and across the world to remain calm, united, and cooperative with the authorities while it pursues the matter through lawful channels.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of communities, responsible exploitation of natural resources, and the advancement of the Igala people and land.
