CITIZENS COMPASS—The Ondo State Taskforce in conjunction with the Nigerian Army have arrested 12 illegal miners in the State
They were 40-year-old Mr Abdullahi Ibrahim, 40-year-old Mr Hassan Bala, 36-year-old Mr Alawude Damilarin, and 35-year-old Mr. Ajayi Ebukun.
Others were 34-year-old Mr Oluwaseun Rufus, Mr. Adebayo James, 25, Mr. Kamal Zaharadeen, 25, Mr. Mohammed Bello Lawal, 25, Mr. Yunusa Mohammed, 24, and Mr. Ma’azu Auwal, 24.
Similarly, Mr. Bashir Muktar, 23, and Mr. Kabiru Sani, 21 were arrested.
The major feat that was recorded over the weekend was the outcome of the collaboration of the State government with agencies in ridding the State of criminals stealing solid minerals across the State.
Mr. Olugbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant on Security to the State governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, while briefing newsmen on the development, said proactive measures were being implemented to curb the menace of illegal mining and other security challenges in the State.
The Special Assistant, speaking during the parade of the 12 arrested suspects at the Barracks of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akure, revealed that the illegal miners were apprehended while the task force was acting on credible intelligence to combat kidnapping activities in the State.
He said: “We had our men deployed across the three senatorial districts of Ondo, penetrating deep into the jungles to prevent kidnapping and make arrests where possible.
“We know the destruction that has been caused in Niger State by these illegal miners. The kingpins are from Niger and Zamfara.
“Upon discovering these illegal activities, immediate actions were taken. One of the first steps was conducting a reconnaissance to establish the presence of these illegal miners. We have now stationed security men throughout the State, carrying out their duties diligently.
“We have also identified some individuals, including some local leaders, who are involved in these activities and causing problems. However, at the state government level, we are addressing this through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Razaq Obe, provided insights into the regulatory framework governing mining activities in the state.
He explained, “There Is a federal law, the Mining Act 2007, that governs mining activities across the country. It is within the purview of the federal government, but the state has the responsibility to ensure that any activity, be it mining or oil and gas, is controlled to protect the environment.
“We periodically conduct inspections, employing law enforcement agencies to ensure that illegal activities are promptly addressed, and culprits are brought to book.
“Security is a major concern. Illegal miners, often from other countries, operate without licenses, leading to environmental degradation and increased security threats.”
Regarding long-term strategies, the commissioner emphasized decentralizing governance, saying “Mining stewardship should not be on the exclusive list of our constitution. It should be ceded to subnational entities, as governors are better positioned to know what is happening in their states.”
He also highlighted the government’s support for legitimate miners, stating: “We provide education and periodic interactions to ensure that artisanal miners operate responsibly and have the necessary classes.”
