The Oyo State Mineral Development Agency led by its Director-General, Mr. Biodun Oni has arrested 15 alleged illegal miners who include two foreigners and thirteen Nigerians.
The big break in the war against illegal mining was made in the mineral-rich Irepo and Olorunsogo Local government areas of the State in a coordinated operation that also saw two foreigners among others arrested.
It was a journey through difficult terrain all through the night and up to mid day as the officials of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency busted the sites of illegal miners in Igbeti , Olorunsogo Local government and Sooro in Irepo Local Government Areas of the State.
The minerals suspected to be lithium and white powder among others are being processed and taken out of the country for production of refined materials to the detriment of Oyo State and Nigeria’s Economy.
The Agency also impounded about 20 trucks laden with varieties of solid minerals.
However, there was resistance by some members of the Sooro community who mobilised themselves, lighted bonfires and insisted that they won’t allow government take away what they had come to consider a means of livelihood.
The Director General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency , Mr Biodun Oni justified the raids on suspected illegal mining sites in Igbeti and sooro community near Kishi as he insisted that mining is under the exclusive list.
Mr Abiodun Oni said the State government is clamping down on illegal miners for security and economic reasons.
The war against illegal mining and economic sabotage involves the concerted efforts of traditional rulers, Community leaders and other stakeholders and this why the government representative is calling on them to support the government in this regard.
