Community market to remain closed over illegal mining, Oyo govt says

Oyo State Government, yesterday, reaffirmed that the Sooro Market, Kishi, in Irepo Local Council in the Oke-Ogun region of the state would remain closed indefinitely following activities of illegal miners in the market last Saturday.

It would be recalled that no fewer than 32 persons were arrested, including two Chinese, during a raid of an illegal lithium mining market in the area. The state’s Deputy Governor, Adebayo Lawal, had during a clearance operation against the illegal miners at the market ordered its closure and immediate evacuation of all illegal structures and shanties built across the market and the precious stones.

He warned that the state government would not hesitate to punish anyone involved in illegal mining in the state.But the Executive Assistant on Security to the State Governor, Sunday Odukoya, who spoke shortly after a critical security stakeholders’ meeting held at the deputy governor’s office, said the government would not condone illegal mining in the state, warning indigenes against colluding with illegal miners as the government is ready to deal decisively with erring persons. He added that the state government would ensure that the area remains peaceful and the market remains closed until further directive by Governor Seyi Makinde.

In his reaction, Director-General, Oyo State Operation Burst, Col. James Oladipo Ajibola (rtd), said that the collaborative efforts of traditional leaders and joint security task force members enabled instant restoration of peace in the area.

Also speaking, Chairman, Kishi Progressive Union and Bobajiro of Kishiland, Bioku Abdul-Rahman, appreciated the governor for tackling insecurity in the state.

He equally commended the deputy governor for his proactive action over the incident. He described the meeting with the deputy governor as fruitful, promising to utilise the advice given for the best interest of the town.