By Taofeek Adekunle Olashile
The Kogi State Government on Wednesday sealed the Dangote Cement Factory in Obajana. Seven workers were allegedly shot during the invasion.
News About Nigeria gathered that seven workers were allegedly shot when Kogi State Government officials invaded Dangote Cement Factory in Obajana.
Our correspondent learnt that the invasion was a result of the questionable circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the company’s land.
Dangote Group’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Sunday Esan, disclosed in a statement that the invasion was led by state Director-General of Lands, Commissioner for Solid Minerals, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Commodore Jerry Omodara (rtd).
Other government officials who led the invasion include Chairman of Kabba/Bunnu LGA, Chairman of Ijumu LGA and the Senior Special Assistant on Job Creation to Governor Yahaya Bello.
Mr Sunday Esan stated that more than 500 armed members of the state’s security outfit and the Vigilantes Groups stormed the cement factory at the instance of the state Governor, Yahaya Bello.
It would be recalled that some indigenes of Kogi State have questioned how the land was acquired.
Following their agitation, Kogi State House of Assembly ordered the closure of the company after its investigation into the Cement factory’s operation allegedly revealed that no valid acquisition took place.
Meanwhile, some youth in the community trooped out to celebrate the closure of the cement factory. They lamented the company has neglected the community despite making billions out of it.
One of the jubilant youth further noted that many members of the host community have gotten ill as a result of pollution.
Kogi State commissioner for Information, Kingsly Fanwo also stated that the State Assembly found that no valid land acquisition took place.
He said “It was found that no valid acquisition took place, as Dangote could not show evidence of what was paid as consideration for the acquisition.
“The Legislators invited the Chairman of the Company, Aliko Dangote, before the house for explanations but he failed to appear before the state Assembly, giving excuses.
“Therefore, the State Assembly ordered the company’s closure pending when they present it with credible evidence of a valid acquisition.”
