BY OBUTE JAMES
The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate Dangote Industries Limited who over Incessant accidents resulting to death of several people.
The House’s resolution on Tuesday 8th January, 2022 was sequel to a motion by Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, Chairman, House Committee on Solid Mineral and Mines Development.
Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims noted that the Dangote trucks have caused a lot of pain to the citizens and residents of Ankpa where the company carries out coal mining activities.
He also told THE LEGISLATURE in an interview that apart from almost the daily accidents in the Ankpa Federal Constituency without compensation, the rivers and streams weere also being polluted without compensation.
Presenting the motion, Hon Halims said ‘Notes that Dangote Industries Limited is actively involved in the mining of coal in Awo-Akpali, Okobo and Onupi Communities in Ankpa Federal Constituency of Kogi State.
“Also notes that since coal mining operations began in the communities, there have been weekly reports of fatal accidents involving Dangote Company’s trucks along the roads.
“Concerned that in December, 2021, it was reported that a man from Ikanekpo Village in Ankpa Local Government Area, conveying his wife who was in labour to the Hospital in Ankpa town for medical attention, was crushed to death with his wife by a Dangote Company truck without any form of empathy or compensation from the management of the company.
“Also concerned that recently, the entire community of Okobo in Enjema District of Ankpa Local Government Area was thrown into mourning over the death of a renowned Islamic Scholar who was crushed to death by a Dangote truck while returning from a naming ceremony in Okpoku leaving victims critically injured in the accident.
‘Further concerned that the people of Ankpa Federal Constituency have benefitted nothing from the company but have continued to suffer anguish and hardship due to non-implementation of the Community Development Agreements with the said company.”
The of Representatives resolved to: (i) Call on the Federal Road Safety Corps to intervene and ensure Road Safety compliance by Dangote Industries Limited.
The House also mandated the Committees on Federal Road Safety Commission and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.