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The conflict between the Kogi State government and the Dangote Group over the ownership of Obajana cement took a new turn in the early hours of Tuesday, as citizens of the state occupied all mining sites across the state to express their plight over the alleged exploitation of the Dangote Group.
This comes just hours after it was reported that the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, were meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.
There were massive crowds with various placard inscriptions urging the state and federal governments to press Dangote Group for justice.
The protest has led to the halting of trading activities in various areas in the State.
They are urging the state not to back out until the state recovers Obajana Cement, the largest cement plant in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Recall that the state government sealed off the cement factory last week, claiming ownership of the company due to a breach of contract agreements and non-involvement of the state assembly.
According to the report of a committee of inquiry set up by the state government, documents show that the agreements entered into between Dangote Group and the previous government in 2002/2003 are invalid. According to the government, the State Assembly was not involved in the negotiations.
The government’s statement noted that Dangote Group has failed to meet the terms of the agreement. It was stated that 90% of the shares were transferred to Dangote Group, with the remaining 10% reserved for the government and citizens.
Although the state government has stated that it is open to negotiation, Dangote Group has reacted stating that it owns the entire company.
protesters seemed adamant throughout the protests stating that there is no point in negotiating. The protesters, some of whom were crying, claimed that the Dangote Group had wreaked havoc on their lands. They claimed that Dangote trailers kill their people almost every day, and that mining operations leave them with erosions that take their lands and endanger their lives.
They are urging all international organizations to assist the state government in obtaining justice for the people. They have also vowed that they will continue the protests until justice is done.
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