By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Women from Uke in Karu LGA and Abuni in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State have raised concerns over the worsening environmental degradation caused by mining activities, saying women bear the greatest burden.
The women spoke at a Capacity Building Engagement on Mining Impacts on Women held in Lafia and organised by the Child Health Organisation (CHO).
They said despite extensive gold and lithium extraction in the communities, residents lacked basic amenities, including good roads, healthcare facilities and schools.
The women alleged that mining companies engage in reckless extraction, indiscriminate rock blasting and the discharge of wastewater into farmlands and rivers.
They particularly raised concerns over the pollution of Rafin Jaki River in Awe, alleging that wastewater from mining activities had rendered the river unsafe for fishing and domestic use.
They further alleged that nine children died in 2023 after falling seriously ill following swimming in the river, although the cause of the deaths was not established.
The women also raised concerns about sexual harassment and exploitation of young girls by some foreigners and workers around mining sites, alleging cases of transactional sex, unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
They said insecurity had also worsened, with armed youths allegedly threatening residents who oppose mining activities affecting farmlands and buildings.
The women called on the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to conduct a fact-finding visit to Uke and Abuni, investigate alleged sexual exploitation and conduct a comprehensive environmental audit of the affected communities.
They also demanded the revocation of mining licences of environmental violators, compensation for affected residents and remediation of polluted areas.
The women further called for therapy centres for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and greater inclusion of women in government processes addressing mining-related challenges.
Speaking earlier, Vicky Onyekuru, Executive Director of CHO, said the engagement was organised to give women in affected communities a voice and amplify their concerns to government.
