Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Intelligence report has indicated the executive chairman of Kwande local government area of Benue State, Mr. Neji Vitalis of a direct involvement i the revenue misappropriation in Tura. Community.
A statement by Dickson Akaatyoo, Spokesperson of the Concerned Stakeholders of Turan Community stated that the Council chairman lacks accountability in the revenues generated from mining activities in the local government.
Credible intelligence gathered from verified local sources reveals disturbing trends in the handling of revenues accruing from mining activities in Turan Nation, particularly in Jato-Aka, under the administration of the Kwande Local Government Council led by Hon. Neji Vitalis
Findings indicate that the Kwande Local Government Taskforce on Mining has been issuing a special revenue receipt where the bearer paid the sun of ₦500,000 (tagged “Kwande Welfare”) for every truckload of minerals extracted and transported from the mining sites operating within Turan land. This receipt, according to evidence obtained, yields between ₦3 million to ₦5 million daily from Jato-Aka alone.
Further intelligence shows that no fewer than 6 to 8 trucks load of mineral resources are moved out of Turan mining sites daily — and at peak operations, up to 14 trucks have been recorded in a single day and this has been going on for over one year 7 month now. This level of activity points to a substantial daily revenue inflow to the coffers of Kwande Local Government and, by extension, the Benue State Government.
However, despite this massive and consistent revenue generation, Turan Community remains abandoned and impoverished. The people continue to suffer under deplorable conditions:
* No electricity across key communities, including Jato-Aka.
* Lack of potable water for human consumption.
* Absence of motorable roads or even basic culverts to ease movement for displaced and struggling residents.
* Rising insecurity, as Fulani attacks and killings persist unabated, leaving families displaced and traumatized.
This stark contrast between the enormous wealth extracted from Turan land and the total neglect of the host communities raises serious concerns of mismanagement, diversion, and possible embezzlement of public revenue under the guise of “Kwande Welfare.”
The situation calls for urgent investigation into how this revenue is being collected, managed, and utilized — and who the true beneficiaries are.
Our Questions to the Kwande Local Government Chairman, Hon. Neji Vitalis
1. Where are the proceeds from the “Kwande Welfare” mining revenue remitted?
2. What tangible welfare projects or infrastructural developments have been executed in Turan communities from this income?
3. Why has the local government failed to provide even the most basic amenities in the very area that sustains its daily revenue flow?
Our Call to Action
We call on the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia , to immediately set up a high-level investigative committee to:
* Audit the Kwande Local Government Taskforce on Mining,
* Investigate the revenue collection and expenditure process,
* Ensure accountability and transparency, and
* Implement corrective measures that will guarantee the welfare of the people of Turan.
The continued exploitation of Turan land without commensurate development is an economic injustice and administrative betrayal that can no longer be tolerated. The people of Turan deserve answers — and more importantly, they deserve justice and development commensurate with the resources being extracted from their soil.