Tension has escalated in Amankwo village of Agbada Inyi Autonomous Community in Oji River Council Area of Enugu State following protests over the alleged contamination of the community’s only water source by a coal mining firm.

Residents accused ChrisKev Estate Limited of polluting the Odu River, killing fish and other aquatic life, and damaging farmlands, allegations that have sparked sharp disagreements between the community, traditional authorities, local government officials and members of the mining project’s implementation committee.

The protesters, drawn from several hamlets that depend on the Odu River for daily water needs, alleged that the pollution has rendered the stream unsafe, forcing residents to trek long distances in search of alternative water sources. They also claimed that cassava farms around the mining site had been poisoned and that the company had failed to meet key obligations contained in its Community Development Agreement.

Leader of the protest, Polycarp Udah, said the community decided to act after repeated complaints to the mining firm allegedly went unaddressed. Udah, who is also a member of the Community Coal Mining Implementation Committee, said the mining operation began last year and had been fraught with unfulfilled promises.

According to him, the Odu River supplies water to about 10 hamlets and began changing colour and emitting foul odour after the alleged discharge of substances from the mining site. He claimed that most aquatic life in the stream had died, leaving residents dependent on a few private boreholes or long treks to fetch water.

Udah also listed what he described as unmet commitments by the company, including the expansion of access roads, provision of five boreholes, scholarships, employment opportunities for locals and agreed payments linked to coal haulage. He alleged that stones and waste from the mining site were dumped into the river, worsening the situation.

Other community leaders echoed the concerns. Vice Chairman of Amankwo village, Ogochukwu Nnebo, alleged that mining activities commenced without adequate consultation and resulted in the destruction of farms, economic trees and local roads.

Women in the community said they were the hardest hit. A farmer and women leader, Caroline Udah, linked recent illnesses in her household to food processed with water from the stream, while another resident, Mrs Tochukwu Hyginus, said she lost processed cassava products worth about N1 million after washing them in the polluted water.

However, the traditional ruler of Agbada Inyi, Ignatius Okpara, dismissed the allegations against the mining firm, describing the protest as the handiwork of youths bent on extortion. He said neither he nor his cabinet had received formal complaints about river pollution and accused some protesters of criminal acts, including road blockades.

Chairman of the Project Implementation Committee, Dr Basil Maduabuchi, also faulted the protesters, alleging that the demonstration was politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing the image of the government and the mining company. He insisted that the firm had complied with the Community Development Agreement and questioned claims of mass fish deaths.

Reacting, the Chairman of Oji River Local Government Council, Greg Chijioke Anyaegbudike, said interim measures had been taken to address the community’s water needs while investigations continue. He said water tankers had been deployed, plans were underway to power existing boreholes, and steps had been taken to repair and expand damaged roads.

Anyaegbudike urged residents to remain calm and allow investigations to determine the source of the alleged contamination, stressing the need to establish responsibility before apportioning blame.