The Ebonyi State government has threatened to expel mining companies operating in the state over any further killing of residents at mining sites, declaring that the lives of citizens are more valuable than the financial benefits accruing from mining activities.
The government also announced the lifting of the suspension imposed on the operations of Ambatone Logistics, also known as Palladium, following an understanding reached between the company and the families of two youths allegedly killed at Ihetutu, Ishiagu, in Ivo Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Chinedu Magnus Nkah, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Abakaliki, explaining that the ministry had initially shut down the company's operations as a precautionary measure to prevent further violence and destruction of lives and property following the incident.
Nkah said the decision to reopen the company followed the resolution of the dispute between the affected families and the management, adding that the deceased youths were buried on Tuesday, 3rd November 2026.
He said the government considered it necessary to lift the restriction to allow economic activities to resume and enable residents who depend on the company for their livelihoods to return to work.
"To avert further crisis, the ministry took the bold step of closing down the operations of the company. We are lifting the ban today on the grounds that the families have had an understanding with the company and the deceased were buried yesterday.
"Since life must continue, the ministry has also thought it wise to lift the embargo on the presence of the company so that they can continue their business and those living within the community can equally earn their daily livelihood from the company," he said.
The commissioner, however, issued a stern warning to mining companies operating across the state, irrespective of the mineral resources they explore, against any action capable of endangering the lives of residents.
He specifically cautioned operators involved in the extraction of lead, zinc, iron ore and other solid minerals against the use of security personnel or other enforcement mechanisms that could result in the killing of members of host communities.
Nkah stressed that the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru would not compromise the safety and welfare of residents for financial gains from mining operations.
"The government of Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru takes the lives of Ebonyi people very seriously, and we cannot tolerate the killing of our people again at any mining site, either by security agencies or any other form of security engaged by the companies.
"If it happens again, we will make sure that the company leaves Ebonyi State completely. The lives of Ebonyi people are far more important to this government than any money," he warned.
In a related development, the commissioner announced the suspension of operations by two mining companies, Success Bolt Global Limited and Geo-Gravel Nigeria Limited, at Ugwu-Ogbaga, Onyikwa Village, Nkaliki, in Ebonyi Local Government Area, following concerns over a potential breakdown of peace in the area.
He directed both companies to immediately cease operations pending further notice, explaining that the ministry had identified circumstances capable of escalating into violence and considered preventive intervention necessary to avert a possible loss of lives.
According to him, the government would not wait for another violent incident before taking decisive steps to protect residents and maintain public order.
"As a matter of necessity, they should cease operations to avert loss of lives because we are seeing danger there, and we don't want a repeat of what happened in other places.
"The ministry is therefore calling on the two companies to desist from any operations there until further notice," Nkah said.
The commissioner also appealed to residents of mining communities to remain law-abiding and pursue grievances through established legal and institutional channels rather than resorting to confrontation with companies operating in their areas.
He urged both mining operators and host communities to respect the rule of law, stressing that peaceful engagement and adherence to lawful procedures remained essential to preventing avoidable conflicts.
