By Lubem Gena
Xtinction Rebellion (XR) Abuja has condemned the arrest of a fellow environmental activist, Okwori Onaji, for allegedly organizing a press conference to question the activities of miners in Owukpa, a suburb of Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja Friday, XR Coordinator in the territory, David AllGreen Fiase said Onaji was arrested on Wednesday in Owukpa during a press conference to bring to the world’s attention the environmental degradation caused by the activities of miners in Owukpa.
The rest of his statement reads:
“This is a violation of the fundamental human rights of the activist whose soul aim is to safeguard the community and sustain the future generations to come.
“Coal mining and coal money is dirty money and it means death as several principal emissions result from coal combustion such as Sulfur dioxide (SO2), which contributes to acid rain and respiratory illnesses; Nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog and respiratory illnesses others are Particulates, which contribute to smog; haze, and respiratory illnesses and lung disease; Carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the primary greenhouse gas produced from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas); Mercury and other heavy metals, which have been linked to both neurological and developmental damage in humans and other animals; Fly ash and bottom ash, which are residues created when power plants burn coal.
“Say NO to coal mining!
Release Onaji NOW!”
