Seven staff of Dangote Cement, Obajana in Kogi state were allegedly shot and several others injured as over 500 armed members of the state’s security outfit, the Vigilantes, stormed the cement factory in the early hours of Wednesday to disrupt operation of the company.
This was contained in a statement issued by the corporate communication department of Dangote Group of Company which was made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the vigilante’s group were allegedly led by some Kogi State government officials.
The statement stated that the vigilante members owned and financed by the Kogi state government wielded arms of different kinds including local and assorted rifles as residents and passersby scamper for safety while seven staff of the cement company were being attended to at the hospitals over the gunshot wounds inflicted on them.
Meanwhile, the host communities have condemned the Kogi State Government for what they described as extra-judicial and unlawful deployment of the Vigilantes to cause chaos in the Obajana community.
Spokesman for the Oyo Mining host community Mr. David Oluruntoba described the act as primitive and disgraceful, saying the youths of the community can never be used, and will not take part in such ‘evil practices’.
“They called us to join them. But I told them that the cement company has not offended us. We just signed a Community Development Agreement (CDA) and the company has been helping us and providing us with jobs. What has the government done for us? nothing. There is no basis to support the government.” he said
Responding, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo said, “Pursuant to the Constitutional authorities of the Kogi State House of Assembly, and upon petition by the people of Kogi State, an investigation was carried out on the acquisition of Obajana Cement Company by Dangote Company.
“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.
The House of Assembly therefore ordered the closure of the company pending when they are able to present it with credible evidence of a valid acquisition.”
The Director-General, Lands, Kogi State, Nasir Ochi, who was also on ground, added, “In this regard, the security agencies were directed to give effect to the resolution. Similarly, the various organs of Government were also informed about this resolution.
“By law, Kogi State House of Assembly can conduct investigation, order anyone to appear before it or produce any document. Failure to obey such summons may lead to the arrest of a Person who failed to appear.
“The Government of the State has an obligation to also respect and give effect to such resolution from the House in the interest of peace and security of the State, and to avoid anarchy or breakdown of law and order.
“In this regard, Dangote has an obligation to respect and also give effect to the resolution of the Kogi State House of Assembly to avoid any act of lawlessness.”