The Ika Community Development Association (ICDA), in collaboration with civil society organisations (CSOs), has raised concerns over what it described as illegal and irregular mining activities taking place in the Ika community of Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State.
During a press conference held on July 7, 2025, Secretary General of the ICDA, Mr. Abuh Shehu, alleged that the community is under intense pressure to sign a controversial Community Development Agreement (CDA) with a Chinese mining firm, *Afrasia Mineral Limited*, owned by Ms. Zuli Zhu. He warned that the agreement, if signed, would not reflect the collective interest of the Ika people and would violate ministerial guidelines.
“She’s operating without the consent of the community or the backing of due process,” Mr. Shehu said, noting that the Ministry of Solid Minerals had earlier instructed that all negotiations regarding mining activities must be directly conducted between the community and *Orbit Exploration and Natural Products Limited*, the original mining titleholder.
Despite the directive, Afrasia Mineral Limited has allegedly continued to push forward using what ICDA describes as “illegal means,” further inflaming tensions in the host community.
“We have not signed any agreement, and we will not be pressured into doing so,” Mr. Shehu stated, stressing that any mining activity without a properly negotiated CDA remains illegal. “We are peace-loving people, but our rights must not be trampled on.”
Community representatives also recounted how past attempts to bypass traditional leadership in CDA agreements have led to widespread rejection. One resident warned that any attempt to impose a mining firm on the community without consultation could lead to unrest.
Mr. Jibril Isiaka, who spoke on behalf of other mining communities in Ankpa Federal Constituency, echoed the rejection of Ms. Zuli Zhu and called on the government to enforce transparency and accountability.
The ICDA has urged the federal government, particularly the Ministry of Solid Minerals, to intervene and uphold community rights. It also appealed to international partners and watchdogs to monitor developments and prevent what it describes as exploitation and disregard for indigenous rights in Nigeria’s extractive sector.
