Ondo Government Wades into Blasting Controversy, Summons Dortmund Company Over Community Protests.

Ondo Government Wades into Blasting Controversy, Summon Dortmund Company Over Community Outcries.

AKURE, ONDO STATE – The Ondo State Ministry of Environment has intervened in the escalating dispute between Uluyagbo community residents, adjacent Imafon community, Igbatoro road following a petition from the residents and Dortmund and Company Limited, a construction firm, over its rock blasting operations in the Akure North Local Government Area. 

The state's Ministry of Environment after visiting the site on Friday 1st of August, 2025 has invited the company's management to a meeting on Tuesday 5th August, 2025 following persistent outcries from residents who claim the blasting has caused significant damage to their properties and poses a severe threat to their safety.

For months, residents of Uluyagbo community have voiced their frustrations, alleging that the powerful vibrations from the company's quarrying activities are responsible for cracked walls, shattered roofs, and structural damage to their homes. The community members have demanded immediate government intervention to prevent a potential catastrophe. Their grievances center on the proximity of the blasting site to residential areas and the perceived lack of adequate safety measures.

The community's demands are clear: they are calling for an independent assessment of the damage to their properties and for Dortmund and Company Limited to take full responsibility by paying compensation.

Furthermore, many residents are pushing for the permanent relocation of the company's blasting operations to a site far from human habitation, arguing that their lives and properties are in constant peril.

The upcoming meeting, brokered by the state's ministry of environment, is a critical step towards resolving the impasse. Potential outcomes range from the implementation of stricter, government-monitored safety protocols and the use of lower-impact blasting techniques to a comprehensive agreement on compensation for affected residents. The most drastic, yet sought-after, resolution by the community would be the complete cessation of blasting activities at the current location and the company's relocation.

In its communication, the Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the well-being of its citizens while also fostering a conducive environment for business. The government's stance emphasizes that corporate responsibility is non-negotiable. Officials have indicated that they will thoroughly investigate the community's claims and ensure that any resolution aligns with the state's environmental protection laws and safety regulations.

The meeting between the Ondo State Government and Dortmund and Company Limited is expected to be a pivotal moment in this conflict. For the distressed residents, it represents a long-awaited opportunity for their voices to be heard and for a lasting solution to be found. For the company, it is a chance to address the community's concerns and demonstrate its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. The outcome will not only determine the future of Dortmund's operations in the area but also set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the state.