Maryam Aminu
The Ukomu Igala Organization (UIO) Worldwide has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding an urgent, independent and transparent investigation into the reported arrest, alleged assault and continued detention of Mallam Abdulwahab Tijani, popularly known as Tony-Tony.
The organisation also raised concerns over the impact of coal mining activities on communities in Kogi East, calling for stronger protection of residents, the environment and critical infrastructure in areas hosting mining operations.
In a statement dated August 20, 2026, the UIO said it remained committed to pursuing justice for Tony-Tony through lawful, peaceful and constitutional means while protecting the legitimate interests and well-being of the Igala people and their communities.
The organisation said its petition followed reports of the alleged physical assault of Tony-Tony and his continued detention at the Koton-Karfi Correctional Facility.
It expressed particular concern over reports that he sustained injuries to his head and face during his alleged arrest by some local vigilante operatives.
The UIO alleged that the operatives acted on the orders of the Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Council, and called on the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
It also demanded that authorities ascertain Tony-Tony’s current physical condition and whereabouts, guarantee his safety and ensure that he receives appropriate medical attention if necessary.
The organisation further called for appropriate action against anyone found to have been connected with any unlawful conduct in the manner of the arrest, while stressing that any allegation that Tony-Tony violated the law should be handled in accordance with due process.
The UIO’s concerns extended beyond the individual case, as it disclosed that it had engaged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development over the effects of mining activities in Kogi East.
The organisation called for a constructive stakeholders’ dialogue involving government authorities, mining operators, host communities and other relevant stakeholders to address concerns over public health and safety, environmental protection, damage to critical infrastructure such as roads, community development and responsible mining practices.
The UIO said its position on coal mining in Kogi East was clear: mineral exploitation and development must be a “WIN-WIN” endeavour for both the country and the communities where mining takes place.
It argued that while the natural resources beneath the soil of host communities should contribute to national development, the communities should also derive tangible benefits from their exploitation.
“Host communities must not be left with unsafe mining sites, damaged roads, environmental degradation or diminished livelihoods,” the organisation said.
It therefore called for stronger enforcement of environmental, safety and community-development standards, alongside meaningful engagement with communities affected by mining activities.
On the alleged assault and detention of Tony-Tony, the organisation appealed to the relevant authorities to protect his rights and ensure that the allegations were investigated transparently.
“To the relevant authorities, our message is simple: Protect our people. Enforce the law. Uphold due process. Investigate allegations transparently. And ensure that justice prevails,” the UIO said.
The organisation also appealed to the Igala people in Nigeria and the diaspora to remain calm, cooperate with the authorities and maintain unity and hope while it pursues the matter through lawful channels.
The UIO reaffirmed that it would continue to address concerns arising from what it described as the undesirable consequences of coal mining in Kogi East through lawful, constitutional and peaceful means.
It said it believed that justice was strongest when pursued with “courage, restraint and respect for the rule of law”, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting communities, promoting responsible exploitation and development of natural resources, and advancing the Igala race and land.
The statement was signed by Maj Gen JAMES A ATAGUBA (rtd) fdc Ph.D, National Leader of Ukomu Igala Organization Worldwide.
Members of the organisation’s Board of Trustees listed in the statement are Dr. Mike ldachaba, Ph.D (Chairman), Rev. Paul Audu, FCA (Secretary), HRH Enejoh. J. Haruna, Hajia Salamatu Umar-Eluma, Jibrin S. Okutepa, (SAN), and Dr. Victor A. Adoji, Ph.D.
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