Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
Egbetua-Ososo, a small town in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, is fast becoming the epicenter of a brewing crisis that could spiral out of control if urgent intervention does not come from the government and security agencies.
Alltimepost.com investigations revealed that the crisis is linked to the ongoing establishment of a cement plant by BUA Cement, which contracted a Chinese construction firm Sinoma International Engineering for the construction of the facility.
When news first broke sometime in 2020 that BUA Cement intended to establish a major cement production facility in Egbetua-Ososo, jubilation swept through the community. Residents believed the project would transform their fortunes by bringing employment opportunities and economic development to the area.
For many young people, the proposed factory represented hope for a better future and a chance to escape unemployment and poverty. Farmers and landowners also expected fair compensation for lands that would be acquired for the project.
But, barely six years after the announcement, what began as excitement gradually turned into frustration and suspicion. Complaints began to emerge that some individuals had allegedly taken control of negotiations and dealings with the company, sidelining other stakeholders within the community.
The elders claimed that the broader community was deliberately excluded from key decisions relating to compensation payments and land allocation. These allegations have now snowballed into a major crisis threatening the unity and stability of the community.
At the heart of the unfolding drama are allegations of massive financial irregularities, secret land deals, exclusion of genuine land/farm-owners from compensation payments, and claims that a few powerful actors within the community have hijacked the entire relationship between the host community and companies operating in the area.
Central to the controversy is the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), otherwise known as the enumeration and subsequent compensation exercise conducted ahead of the cement project.
Members of the community insist that the entire process lacked transparency and fairness, a development that reportedly led to an open letter being written and addressed to the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, accusing those allegedly responsible for the exercise of manipulating the enumeration process.
The letter, signed by an indigene of Egbetua, Emmanuel Oloke, alleged that many genuine landowners were deliberately excluded from the compensation arrangement. According to the letter, the exercise left several legitimate landowners “disenfranchised and disillusioned.” Oloke claimed that the community had received information that BUA released about ₦1.5 billion for compensation payments to landowners and owners of economic trees.
However, the most troubling aspect of the controversy remains the alleged refusal by the company and the consulting firm that conducted the enumeration exercise to publicly disclose the full list of beneficiaries.
Community leaders say repeated demands for the list of those paid and the exact amounts disbursed have been ignored. Even more disturbing, they claim, is the refusal to provide copies of the enumeration and compensation documents to the chiefs and elders of Egbetua Community
Chief Peter Momoh, answering questions from our correspondent on the BUA compensation scandal before his sudden death in a hotel room on March 21, 2026.
According to them, such documents should ordinarily be made available to the traditional leadership of the host community (Egbetua) for verification and transparency.
It was revealed that instead, the documents have remained hidden from the community up till now. This secrecy has triggered widespread suspicion and anger among the people of the community.
Community members are now asking a series of troubling questions:
Why is it so difficult for the company (BUA) and the consulting firm to publicly release the list of beneficiaries?
Why has it become impossible for the chiefs and elders of the community to obtain copies of documents relating to payments made on their ancestral lands?
Why is the company (BUA) unwilling to openly state how many beneficiaries were paid and the exact amounts disbursed to each person?
For many residents, these unanswered questions lie at the heart of the crisis currently rocking the community. They argue that transparency would easily resolve many of the lingering suspicions. But the alleged continued secrecy has only deepened distrust and fueled allegations that the process may have been manipulated.
According to them, only about 30 per cent of those captured during the enumeration exercise were actual members of Egbetua-Ososo, while the majority of rightful land/farm-owners were allegedly excluded despite being present when the survey was conducted.
Even more disturbing, were claims that some individuals who allegedly have no ancestral ties to the land were included as beneficiaries, triggering deep resentment among residents.
Allegations have also emerged that deductions ranging between 10 and 40 per cent were made from compensation payments by agents of the consulting firm.
Some beneficiaries claimed they were misled into accepting the deductions, while others said they were not even aware such deductions would be made.
Residents are now demanding to know the legal basis for the deductions and questioning whether the consulting firm has already been fully paid by BUA Cement.
The community has also raised serious allegations of intimidation and bribery, claiming some individuals allegedly received between ₦1 million and ₦10 million to suppress opposition and silence critics.
One allegation that has generated outrage involves the reported payment of ₦40 million to the Head Chief, Chief Momoh Peter, alongside ₦95 million for economic trees.
These figures have angered many farm-owners in the affected area who insist they received far less or no compensation at all. Several landowners claim their farms were allegedly destroyed without any form of payment/compensation, while others insist they were grossly underpaid.
Further escalation came in when the Chairman of the Community Development Agreement Committee, Engineer Fred Attah, alleged that the Head Chief, Tijjani Umar Balogun and Adeniyi Odafe secretly granted consent for limestone mining to BUA without consultation in October 2024.
According to him, the community only discovered the approval months later, with documents from the Mining Cadastre Office reportedly confirming the development.
Attah also alleged that several contracts linked to the project, including security services, construction of security posts, staff camps, road grading, and water extension, were concentrated in the hands of a single individual (Tijjani Umar Balogun) via several companies he uses
Attah narrated: “My name is Engineer Fred Attah. I am the Chairman of the Egbetua Community Development Agreement (CDA). Since the inception of BUA Cement Company in Egbetua Community, I was unanimously selected as the Community Development Agreement Committee Chairman, and since then I have remained the chairman.
“The enumeration, otherwise called the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), is a plan for relocating people from a particular land designated for use by either the government or a company for developmental purposes. By World Bank standards, a community whose land serves as its source of livelihood and is earmarked for such use must be relocated to another land agreed upon by both parties.
“They are then compensated based on the type of farming, crops, or property they have on that land. That is what is called a Resettlement Action Plan, or simply put, enumeration. In our case, it was carried out on about 1,700 hectares of land acquired by BUA. Out of this, about 470 hectares were to be cleared for the construction of what they called the Line Four Cement Factory.
“It behoves BUA Cement to identify the landowners, those farming on the land, and those with properties on it, estimate the total value of these assets, and compensate them accordingly. Thereafter, they are to be relocated to another area for resettlement.
“BUA attempted to do this by hiring a Lagos-based company led by one Emmanuel Ebede. I only had contact with him when the issues began. The company was engaged by BUA Cement to carry out the enumeration exercise, and I was officially notified in my capacity as CDA Chairman about the plan and process.
“Upon receiving the notification, I appointed the CLO, the Community Liaison Officer, and the Community representative, Tijjani Umar Balogun, to work with the contractor conducting the exercise. They worked with him for weeks to complete the enumeration. The Chief also participated on several occasions, although I did not appoint him.
“After the exercise was concluded, the next stage was compensation for those identified as having properties within the designated project area. I was invited to witness the process, but I informed them that I was in Abuja and that travelling required proper planning and cost. I therefore requested to see the list of verified individuals, their properties, and the compensation amounts before making the trip.
“I insisted on seeing the list beforehand. They said it would be made available upon my arrival, but I declined, stating clearly that I would not travel without first reviewing it. Since the list was never provided, I did not attend.
“On the day the exercise commenced, the Obu-Okpella Plant Director and the General Manager of BUA Cement called to ask why I was absent. I reiterated that without access to the list of enumerated persons and compensation details, there was no basis for my attendance.
“Following the exercise, protests erupted. Youths gathered at the Head Chief’s residence and prevented him from returning home for several days. The Head Chief later called on me to intervene. I asked for details of the enumeration and requested the list, as many community members complained of being excluded or underpaid. Some claimed they had farms and properties on the land but were not compensated, while others without any stake reportedly received large sums.
“I again requested the list to help calm tensions and also contacted the General Manager of BUA Cement, Obu-Okpella. Although he assured me that I would receive it, the list has not been provided to date. I reminded them that, as a consultant who has handled similar work for the Azura Power Plant in Benin, I am familiar with the proper process.
“The correct procedure is to document all affected persons, assess and quantify their assets, and attach corresponding compensation values. This list should be presented to the community in the presence of legal representatives for verification before payment. After payments are made, the community should also receive the final list of beneficiaries and amounts paid. In this case, that process was not followed, as the list has never been shared.
“There are conflicting reports on the total amount disbursed—some say about ₦860 million, while others mention ₦1.5 billion. The lack of clarity has further fuelled discontent, with many still complaining. When I requested the list from BUA management, I was told they did not have it and was instead given the contact of the consultant who handled the enumeration.
“I contacted him, and he made it clear that he was engaged by BUA, not the community, and that he had already submitted the report and list to the company. He advised me to direct my request to BUA. That response was reasonable, which raises the question: why has BUA refused to release the list? Even formal requests have yielded no results.
“It is unfortunate that some individuals entrusted with protecting community interests are allegedly complicit in denying others their rightful entitlements. As CDA Chairman, I am not aware of any official communication inviting complaints of exclusion. Such matters are typically handled through formal correspondence, not verbal claims.
“On the issue of mining rights, the law since 1970 vests mineral ownership in the Federal Government. However, it also requires that communities grant consent before any exploration or quarrying activities commence.
“In October 2024, the Head Chief, Chief Peter Momoh, Tijjani Umar Balogun, and Adeniyi Odafe reportedly granted BUA access to a parcel of land containing limestone deposits without the knowledge of the community. Ordinarily, such requests are deliberated upon by elders, stakeholders, and the Chiefs Council before approval. In this instance, consent was allegedly granted secretly on October 14, 2024, and only came to light in February 2025.
“I subsequently directed my lawyer to obtain the consent documents from the Mining Cadastre Office and the High Court in Abuja. The records confirmed that the Head Chief and two others (Tijjani Umar Balogun and Adeniyi Odafe) signed the approval. Initial denials were later withdrawn when certified copies were presented.
“The BUA Director stated that the company believed the community was aware. However, when asked about the amount paid, he initially claimed he could not recall and later declined to comment, citing ongoing disputes. All these interactions are documented.
“When the elders convened, they expressed shock that such consent was granted without their knowledge and resolved to explore options for redress or adequate compensation.
“Additionally, there are concerns over the concentration of contracts in the hands of Tijjani. Key projects, ranging from security services and infrastructure works to recruitment outsourcing, have reportedly been handled through companies linked to him, including J&J.
“This has deepened divisions within the community. I raised the matter with BUA management, stressing that opportunities must be equitably distributed. Records indicate that at least 22 individuals have reported loss of farmland without compensation, while others claim to have been underpaid. There are also allegations that some individuals without land ownership received large sums, only to have most of the money reclaimed after minimal payments were made to them.
“Regarding the December 26, 2025 incident, where the Head Chief was attacked and compelled to sign a document, it stemmed from a dispute over recruitment outsourcing. Both Tijjani and the Head Chief sought control of the process, leading to conflict. Youths were mobilised, resulting in damage to community property, including a school bus. Some of these youths are reportedly influenced with small sums of money and substances such as ‘monkey tail,’ a mixture of alcohol and cannabis.
“More recently, elders who went to welcome SINOMA, the Chinese construction firm handling the factory project, were also attacked by youths, leaving two persons injured. No legal action has been taken so far, although the Head Chief reported his alleged abduction to the police. The community has also formally withdrawn recognition of Tijjani Umar Balogun as its representative in communications with BUA.
“Beyond these developments, little progress has been made. Some community members are considering petitions to anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC. I urge all concerned to remain calm and pursue lawful avenues in addressing these grievances,” the CDA Chairman concluded.
On his part, Barr. Augustine Jerumeh, a member of the Chiefs and Elders Council of Egbetua Community, revealed that since the arrival of BUA Cement, the community has been engulfed in a prolonged internal crisis.
He said: “Crisis in Egbetua Community began with the entrance of BUA. Everyone is now struggling to secure positions within the company.
“We have a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) representing us at BUA, but his activities do not reflect the collective interests of the community. As a result, the people are dissatisfied with the situation.
“One of the major issues is the manner of appointments. A few individuals in the community, who have become influential, now use their positions to secure benefits for themselves from the company.
“BUA, on its part, has been supportive and responsive to our requests. However, the real challenge lies with those representing us, who are allegedly blocking some of the benefits meant for the wider community.
“The major problem we currently face is the enumeration exercise carried out by BUA. Many farmers were not captured, and the process lacked transparency.
“The list of beneficiaries entitled to compensation was not made available to the community leadership, unlike in other places where such lists are both shared with leaders and publicly displayed for accountability.
“There are also allegations that the consultant engaged by BUA for the enumeration exercise made unauthorized deductions from beneficiaries’ compensation.
“Another issue fueling the crisis is the HR labour contract. Most, if not all, of the contracts are concentrated in the hands of a single individual, Mr. Tijjani Umar Balogun. This is unacceptable, as contracts should be fairly distributed among qualified contractors within the community.
“To be frank, people are not inherently bad; sometimes, circumstances within the community contribute to their actions. While some individuals may act wrongly, others are shaped by the system around them.
“The same individual alleged to have taken over dealings with BUA and SINOMA in the community, Tijjani Balogun, was initially appointed by the Head Chief of Egbetua.
“However, the situation has changed, as he is now reportedly preventing the Head Chief from carrying out responsibilities that ordinarily fall within his purview. This is what the community is trying to address, especially as the companies appear to be backing him (Umar Tijjani Balogun).
“The government should, therefore, direct both companies to engage more broadly with the community and ensure that no single individual controls the distribution of contracts.”
Some of the contracts the Chiefs and Elders Council of Egbetua claimed to have been executed/being executed by Tijjani Balogun include: barbed wire fencing of the site; site clearing; construction of security quarters; provision of private security guards; perimeter fencing; development of the internal road network; security (Tango operations); stone blasting; supply of food to security personnel (including NSCDC and others); “Danger Water” project; and temporary HR contract.
The situation reportedly reached a boiling point on December 26, 2025, when the Head Chief, Peter Momoh, was allegedly attacked by some alleged sponsored youths. In a viral video, the youths, in the alleged company of Tijjani Umar Balogun, were reportedly seen forcing him to sign a document during the confrontation.
The clash was reportedly triggered by disputes over recruitment outsourcing contracts, while properties including the Egbetua Community School bus and town hall furniture were damaged. Residents also claimed some youths were influenced with money and drugs, including “monkey tail.”
Speaking with our correspondent on the incident, the Head Chief of Egbetua Community, Chief Peter Momoh, narrated his ordeal in the hands of some of the youths. He claimed that on December 26, 2025, he was forcefully taken from his residence and held under the sun for over three hours. According to him, the youths subjected him to threats and intimidation during the incident.
The traditional ruler further alleged that he was compelled under duress to sign a document authorizing Tijjani Umar Balogun to be in charge of the HR labour contracts on behalf of the community. Momoh maintained that he signed the document out of fear for his life, alleging that he was humiliated, assaulted, and brutalized by the youths under the supervision of Tijjani Umar Balogun.
Following the alleged attack on the Head Chief of Egbetua Community, the Community Council of Chiefs and Elders, in a letter dated January 2, 2026, addressed to the Project Manager of SINOMA Nigeria Ltd, Obu-Okpella, cautioned the company against recognizing any document purportedly signed under duress.
The letter, which was also copied to the Plant Director, BUA Cement PLC, Obu-Okpella; Mr. Gidado, General Manager, BUA Cement PLC; Engr. Fred Attah, CDA Chairman; and the Egbetua Lawyers Forum, was titled: “Disclaimer and caution against fraudulent documents allegedly obtained under duress from Chief Peter Momoh, the Head Chief of Egbetua Community.”
A copy of the letter was sighted by our correspondent during this investigation. In the letter, the community warned that any document, agreement, undertaking, or correspondence allegedly signed by Chief Peter Momoh on or about December 26, 2025, or thereafter under such circumstances, should be considered null, void, and of no effect.
The letter was signed by the Head Chief of Egbetua Community, Chief Peter Momoh Iddu-Oremeh; Elder Marcus Akinyesi (Secretary); Chief Agura Lawani (representing Anni Kindred); Elder Jacob Osheku (representing Obiomokhiye Kindred); and Chief Isaiah Somiso (representing Uduokhe Kindred).
It reads in part:
“The Egbetua Community Chiefs and Elders Council hereby issues this vehement and unequivocal disclaimer to formally bring to your attention a most unfortunate and condemnable incident that allegedly occurred on December 26, 2025, in Egbetua Community.
“It is alleged that certain members of the Egbetua Community youth, allegedly sponsored and physically supervised by Mr. Tijani Umar Balogun and Mr. James Osheku (CLO), unlawfully abducted, molested, intimidated, embarrassed, and coerced under duress the Head Chief of Egbetua Community, Chief Peter Momoh (Iddu-Oremeh Osese I), with the intent of forcefully compelling him to sign documents against his will.
“We are reliably informed that video evidence exists substantiating these alleged acts of intimidation, coercion, and duress.
“TAKE NOTICE that any document(s), agreement(s), undertaking(s), or correspondence purportedly signed by Chief Peter Momoh on or about December 26, 2025, or thereafter, under such circumstances, are hereby completely disclaimed, null, void, and of no effect.”
The council further cautioned BUA Cement PLC and SINOMA Nigeria Ltd:
“I. NOT to honour, rely upon, recognise, or act on any document allegedly signed by Chief Peter Momoh under duress or through any form of intimidation, coercion, or unlawful influence, particularly in relation to the HR labour contract.
“II. NOT to engage with, accept representations from, or transact with any individual, youth group, faction, or association purporting to speak for or represent Egbetua Community outside the duly constituted authority of the Chiefs and Elders Council, headed by Chief Peter Momoh.
“III. To note that the Chiefs and Elders Council remains the highest and only recognised traditional authority empowered to speak, negotiate, and enter into agreements on behalf of the Egbetua Community.”
The letter added that any individual or organisation acting on such disputed documents would do so at their own legal risk and could face civil and criminal liabilities.
“This disclaimer is issued in good faith, in the interest of justice, lawful engagement, and to forestall avoidable disputes and legal actions. Kindly be properly guided,” the statement added, directing the CDA Chairman to circulate the letter accordingly.
The community also alleged that several letters written to the management of BUA Cement PLC and SINOMA Nigeria Ltd had been treated with levity.
One such letter, dated January 30, 2026, and received on February 2, 2026, was addressed to the Project Manager of SINOMA Nigeria Ltd.
It was signed on behalf of the community by Chief Peter Momoh Iddu-Oremeh; Elder Marcus Akinyesi (Secretary); Elder Olowo Bello (representing Anni Kindred); Elder Jacob Osheku (representing Obiomokhiye Kindred); and Chief Isaiah Somiso (representing Uduokhe Kindred).
Titled “Reminder and Notice of Liability on the Position of the Chiefs and Elders Council of Egbetua Community regarding the HR Labour Contract,” the letter read in part:
“The Chiefs and Elders Council of Egbetua Community issues this letter as a final reminder and formal notice regarding the unequivocal position of the Council and the entire Egbetua Community on matters relating to the HR labour contract.
“The Council notes with grave concern the continued failure, neglect, and apparent unwillingness of SINOMA Nigeria Ltd to accord due recognition and respect to the constituted traditional authority of Egbetua Community. This persistent nonchalant conduct constitutes a direct undermining of community authority and established protocols.
“Any further delay, reluctance, or time-buying tactics by SINOMA Nigeria Ltd shall be regarded as deliberate and wilful disregard of the authority of the Chiefs and Elders Council and will no longer be tolerated.”
The council further accused both SINOMA Nigeria Ltd and BUA Cement PLC of ignoring official correspondence while allegedly engaging with unauthorized youth groups lacking legal standing.
It warned that both companies would be held jointly and severally liable for any breach of peace arising from the situation and that the community would escalate the matter to relevant authorities and pursue legal action if necessary.
The council also reiterated that it had withdrawn its earlier letter introducing Mr. Tijjani Umar Balogun to the company, warning that continued dealings with him were unlawful and a disregard for the traditional leadership structure.
In another letter dated January 4, 2026, titled “Withdrawal and Revocation of Letter of Introduction dated February 28, 2024,” the council formally withdrew its earlier recommendation of DAVZINO Security Ltd and UMEVA International Nig. Ltd.
It declared that Mr. Tijjani Umar Balogun and any associated entities no longer had the backing or authority of the community.
The council further introduced PVO 5050 Momoh Nig. Ltd as the approved body to handle the HR labour contract on behalf of the community, assuring that proceeds would be equitably distributed among the Anni, Obiomokhiye, and Uduokhe kindreds, as well as youths and women.
Similarly, in a letter dated February 3, 2026, titled “One-Day Warning Protest Against Continued Disregard for the Constituted and Traditional Authority of Egbetua Community,” the council notified SINOMA Nigeria Ltd of its intention to stage a protest.
The letter accused the company of persistent disregard for community authority, particularly in relation to the HR labour contract at the BUA Cement Line 4 project site.
It further alleged that SINOMA expatriates commenced operations without notifying the host community and that recruitment processes were being handled outside the approved framework.
The council insisted that the community remained organized under a recognized traditional hierarchy and warned that failure to comply with its resolutions within three days would attract sustained resistance.
It also emphasized that only the Head Chief, the Chiefs and Elders Council, and the CDA leadership constitute the recognized authority of the community, noting that youth groups do not have the mandate to represent the collective interest of Egbetua.
The statement urged SINOMA and BUA Cement, Obu-Okpella, to respect the community’s authority and act accordingly to avoid a breakdown of peace.
Tension was said to have escalated further when some community members reportedly attempted to visit the BUA project site to welcome the Chinese expatriates of Sinoma and seek clarifications.
According to residents, they were allegedly attacked by some of the youths of the community, with two people reportedly injured. The incident heightened fears of violence. The police confirmed receiving complaints and stated that efforts were underway to restore peace.
In response, the Community Liaison Officer, Mr. James Osheku, denied all allegations of wrongdoing, maintaining that the enumeration was conducted by independent consultants and that all legitimate farmer-owners in the affected area were duly compensated.
He revealed that the community was given up to four months to bring forward any affected farmers omitted from the enumeration exercise, adding that no name was brought forward.
The CLO said that the matter is under investigation by relevant agencies and that he was not authorized to speak to the press on behalf of BUA Cement and SINOMA Nigeria Ltd, as he is not the official spokesman of the companies.
He, however, challenged the community leadership to provide names of affected farmer-owners in the area, along with proof, assuring that such persons would be captured and compensated.
“People can sit anywhere and say whatever they like. I am not in charge of the enumeration; it was carried out by BUA and not a community-funded exercise. It is a BUA investment, not a government project. BUA is a private company, and it engaged consultants for the purpose of the enumeration.
“The owners (BUA) brought in consultants for the exercise, and it was not carried out by any of our staff here. We were merely observers in the process. So, the idea of someone alleging that the CLO carried out the enumeration is incorrect. The consultant is answerable to the owner (BUA), not even to us here.
“The enumeration was conducted in June 2024, and the people were given a window of four months to lodge any complaints they might have. However, we have not received any complaints to date.
“Anyone with a genuine claim of exclusion from the enumeration should come forward with such claims. The enumeration was done in July 2024, payments were made in October 2024, and we are now in 2026. Consider the time that has passed,” he said.
He further claimed that after the enumeration and payment exercise, BUA formally wrote to the community through the Head Chief, informing them that the exercise had been completed and that the company had taken over the site.
Osheku insisted that the letter is with the Head Chief of Egbetua. “BUA does not take people’s property without compensation,” he submitted.
On allegations of promoting unrest in the community, Osheku denied any involvement, stating that he was in Abuja when he received reports that a group of individuals seeking HR contracts from one of their subsidiaries were protesting and blocking access to the site.
“It was while I was still in Abuja that I heard another group, who were already working there, resisted them. The people currently making these complaints are not even parties to the transaction,” he argued.
He said BUA paid for the land through the community, noting that it was leased to the company for 99 years. He denied claims that funds meant for the people were diverted and also denied receiving ₦1.5 billion for the enumeration exercise.
“The crops on the land are what the company is compensating the people for, as they are being asked to vacate the land for development purposes. Out of 1,500 hectares, we have only cleared about 400 hectares. All farm owners who were enumerated have been compensated,” he declared.
Similarly, Mr. Tijjani Umar Balogun denied the allegations against him, insisting that no one attacked the Head Chief on December 26, 2025, in Egbetua.
He challenged anyone who claims to be a farmer in the affected area and alleges exclusion or underpayment to provide proof. Balogun also stated that he was not present in the community at the time of the alleged incident involving the Chiefs and Elders Council’s visit to SINOMA’s site.
SINOMA’s Construction site during a visit by our Correspondent
He further dismissed calls for the release of the beneficiaries’ list, describing it as a private matter, and denied acting against the interests of the community.
According to Balogun, the community had long been compensated for the land by BUA Cement, with payments running into several millions of naira. He maintained that the enumeration exercise was strictly for compensating farmers whose economic trees were affected.
He added that many chiefs and elders of the community have benefited from his humanitarian services and questioned why efforts were being made to tarnish his long-built reputation.
He also stated that other contractors are handling projects for the companies, not him alone, as alleged.
However, despite these denials from the CLO and Balogun, discontent persists, as many residents strongly dispute the claims, insisting that transparency, particularly the release of the beneficiaries’ list — is key to resolving the crisis.
When contacted, the General Manager of BUA Cement, Obu-Okpella, Mr. Richard Gidado, could not be reached for comment.
Several telephone calls placed to his line on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at about 7:00 p.m., were not answered, although the phone rang repeatedly. Subsequently, a message was sent to him via WhatsApp on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 at about 7:00 pm, which read:
“…Sir, I am currently working on a report concerning your organisation in relation to issues arising in Egbetua Community, where your company is establishing a cement plant.
“The Elders and Chiefs of the community have alleged that the enumeration exercise conducted by your company, through a consultancy firm, did not provide them with a copy of the list of beneficiaries.
“Some farmers and landowners also claim they were excluded from the exercise, despite owning farms or land within the project area.
“The community leadership, including the CDA Chairman, further alleged that their requests for the enumeration list have not been granted, either to them or to the Head Chief of Egbetua Community.
“Additionally, they claim that contracts have been concentrated in the hands of one Mr. Tijjani Balogun, contrary to principles of fairness, equity, and the initial agreement between the company and the community.
“They also stated that, despite formally notifying your company of their withdrawal of Mr. Tijani Balogun as a representative of the community, the company has continued to engage with him while allegedly sidelining the community.
“According to them, these developments have contributed to the growing tension in Egbetua Community.
“Sir, I would appreciate your response to these allegations. Thank you, sir.”
Responding briefly, the General Manager of BUA Cement PLC, Obu-Okpella, Mr. Richard Gidado, said:
“Good afternoon. Please speak with the Community Liaison Officer for balanced information. You mentioned that the CDA Chairman spoke to you, did he provide you with the names of the affected farmers?”
Our Correspondent replied:
“I have already spoken with him (CLO), and he confirmed that the list of enumerated persons was not made available to the community, without giving any further reason.
“It was not only the CDA Chairman; the Head Chief, chiefs, and elders of the community also briefed journalists during a recent meeting.
” Please, sir, can you respond to these allegations?”
However, subsequent calls placed to his mobile line were declined. Upon further prompting by our correspondent, who reminded him of the need to respond to the allegations against the company after several days of silence, Mr. Richard Gidado said:
“You can visit the office, please. You need to visit our office so that the designated person can respond to your questions. Please, who gave you my number?”
Our correspondent replied:
“Sir, I obtained your contact in the course of efforts to ensure a balanced and accurate report. Kindly provide his or her contact details (the supposed BUA Cement Obu-Okpella spokesperson’s phone number). Although you have already responded, I would still like to reach out for additional clarification.”
He responded by saying: “If you need an official response from BUA, please visit the office.”
In response, our correspondent said:
“Yet, you cannot provide me with the spokesperson’s phone number? Hmm.”
Also, all efforts made by our correspondent to obtain a response from the management of SINOMA Nigeria Ltd were unsuccessful, despite a personal visit to the company’s site in Egbetua. Heavily armed security personnel on duty denied our correspondent entry into the premises and also refused to provide the contact details of any management staff for comment.
Further efforts to reach Mr. Emmanuel Ebede on March 21, 2026, who allegedly supervised the enumeration exercise on behalf of the consulting firm, were unsuccessful, as he declined calls placed to his cell phone by our correspondent.
However, our correspondent sent him a message via his WhatsApp number and, despite receiving and reading it, he neither replied nor responded.
The message read thus:
“Saturday, March 21, 2026
“Good evening, Mr. Emmanuel Ebede. …,
I am currently working on an investigative report of significant public interest concerning the enumeration exercise, also referred to as the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)—carried out by your firm for BUA Cement in Egbetua Community, Edo State.
“In the course of my investigation, several concerns have been raised by members of the host Egbetua Community. Notably, there are allegations that your firm has not made available to the community’s traditional leadership the comprehensive list of beneficiaries, including details of the compensation paid.
“Additionally, some beneficiaries have alleged that deductions ranging from 10 to 40 per cent were made from their compensation payments by your consulting firm.
“While some claim they were misled into consenting to these deductions, others insist they were not informed that such deductions would be applied.
“In the interest of fairness, balance, and accuracy, I would appreciate your response to these allegations. Thank you, sir.”
When our correspondent visited the Ososo Divisional Police Station to seek comments on the alleged attacks on the Head Chief, Chiefs, and Elders Council of Egbetua by suspected youths, a police source, who requested anonymity, confirmed that complaints had been lodged.
He disclosed that plans were underway to invite all parties involved in the dispute in a bid to restore peace.
The source added that since resuming duty on Wednesday, he had conducted several patrols in the area following distress calls about potential unrest during a meeting of the chiefs and elders.
Shockingly, the Head Chief, who spoke with our correspondent just a few weeks ago, hale and hearty—was reportedly found dead on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in a hotel in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The death of the Head Chief of Egbetua Community, Chief Peter Momoh, under troubling and still unclear circumstances, has cast a dark shadow over what was once a quiet agrarian settlement in Edo State.
The late Head Chief was reportedly discovered lifeless in a hotel room in Okpella after allegedly being lured there from his Abuja residence under the pretext of finalizing banking arrangements for a yet-to-be-awarded contract.
His sudden demise has not only shocked residents but has also deepened an already festering crisis within the Egbetua community. What might have been seen as an isolated tragedy has instead become a defining symbol of a growing storm marked by fear, suspicion, and rising tension.
Now, with the shocking death of Chief Momoh, himself a central figure in the unfolding dispute, the situation has taken a more ominous turn. His passing has raised serious questions and heightened anxieties, leaving many to wonder whether Egbetua is on the brink of a deeper crisis that could spiral out of control if urgent intervention by government and security agencies is not forthcoming.
Consequently, following the sudden death of the Head Chief of Egbetua Community, Chief Peter Momoh, in Okpella on Sunday, March 22, 2026, our correspondent decided to write again to the General Manager (Admin) of BUA Cement, Obu-Okpella, Mr. Richard Gidado, who had earlier insisted that our he visit the company in Okpella for an official response:
“Good day, sir. I received information yesterday (Saturday) evening that the Head Chief of Egbetua Community, Chief Peter Momoh, has passed away. His body was reportedly discovered yesterday (Saturday) at a hotel in Okpella.
“It was further alleged that the late Head Chief had been lured to Okpella under the pretext of finalising banking arrangements for a contract with SINOMA, despite the fact that the contract had not been formally awarded.
“In light of this development, I find it concerning that I am being invited to Okpella to meet with a purported spokesman of BUA Cement, Obu-Okpella.
“I would like to know who will be responsible for guaranteeing my safety and security during such a visit.
“Would there be any formal written undertaking assuring my safety? Given the circumstances, I believe the risks involved are considerable.
“May I also suggest that the contact details of the said spokesman for BUA Cement, Obu-Okpella, be made available to me and my colleagues so that we can engage directly via telephone and obtain the company’s official response?
“In view of the recent and troubling development surrounding the death of Chief Peter Momoh, who was reportedly invited to Okpella just days ago for discussions related to the same matter, I regret to inform you that I am unable to take the risk of travelling to Okpella or any other location outside the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Benin City. Thank you very much, sir.”
The message was delivered at about 11:06 a.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026, and was subsequently read, as indicated on our correspondent’s mobile device. However, Mr. Gidado did not respond.
As tensions continue to rise, stakeholders have warned that failure by the government and security agencies, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to intervene promptly could escalate the situation into a full-blown crisis, with serious implications for peace, investment, and communal harmony in the area.
