Residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Estate, popularly known as ACO Estate, staged a protest on Saturday against persistent and unregulated blasting operations by a Chinese-owned quarry, Dai Jin Investment Limited.

Led by the Estate Chairman, Sunny Kulutuye, over 100 residents and commercial motorcyclists blocked all access routes to the quarry site at around 6:30 a.m., using six vehicles to barricade the entrances and preventing heavy-duty trucks from loading granite.

The protesters complained that the blasting had caused severe damage to their homes, with some buildings experiencing roof collapses and structural cracks. Mr. Kulutuye said the blasting has gone on for years despite repeated complaints and assurances from the quarry operators to halt or reduce the intensity of the explosions.

“We have evidence of our houses collapsing — roofs, plaster of Paris falling off. We fear that if a structural integrity test were conducted, none of the buildings would pass,” he told journalists. He also lamented the reckless driving of the quarry trucks, which have damaged roads, vehicles, and even led to the death of a commercial motorcyclist.

The residents had taken legal action against the quarry last year but alleged the case had stalled due to the quarry’s financial influence. “That is why we are compelled to take to the streets,” Mr. Kulutuye added.

They are demanding that the quarry cease operations in the residential area, compensate homeowners for damages, and relocate the quarry to a non-residential zone.

Other residents voiced similar frustrations. Jacob Edi criticized the government for allowing the quarry’s harmful activities, saying, “It is wrong that Chinese operators can come here and damage our homes, something they wouldn’t be allowed to do in their own country.”

Another resident, Uchenna Okafor, who purchased his home through a mortgage, described the damage caused by the blasting. “My neighbour had to hold onto a wall while bathing to avoid falling during a blast,” he said.

According to the Nigerian National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations, 2013, blasting must not cause nuisance within 1,000 meters of residential areas and must adhere to strict safety and environmental standards — requirements the quarry appears to have violated.

There were also allegations that soldiers tasked with guarding the quarry’s explosives have been manipulated by the company to protect its interests rather than ensuring safety.

After about two hours of protest, the quarry’s workers’ chairman, Mr. Haruna, met with the protesters, promising to relay their concerns to the Chinese operators and to implement corrective actions.

“We have listened to you, and all your demands will be communicated. We assure you there will be no cause for further protests,” Mr. Haruna said.

Truck drivers’ leader, Ali Adeka, also pledged improved professionalism, adherence to road regulations, and better conduct going forward.

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