Oyo community raises alarm over activities of illegal miners

The Itasa community in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Tuesday, condemned the activities of illegal miners, accusing them of causing environmental degradation, insecurity, and economic hardship in the environment.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Justice, Development, and Peace Commission (JDPC), Basorun, Ibadan, Prof. Bayo Aborisade, who spoke on behalf of the Itasa community and other concerned stakeholders, described the situation as a looming disaster that threatens lives, livelihoods, and the region’s biodiversity.

According to him, a mining company operating in the area has allegedly flouted the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, particularly the requirement to sign a Community Development Agreement (CDA) with host communities before commencing operations.

He alleged that some government officials have compromised their positions, enabling illegal mining activities that fuel banditry, kidnapping, and environmental destruction in the community.

“Regrettably, communities are left exposed to lawless investors who traverse the land with police escorts, throw communities into agony, and leave posterity a bleak future of penury and diseases,” he said.

Prof. Aborisade called on the federal and state governments, as well as the international community, to take immediate action by halting all mining activities of mining companies until they meet all legal requirements, including signing a Community Development Agreement (CDA).

Also speaking at the conference, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Special Duties to the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), decried the level of impunity in the illegal mining sector, calling for decisive action against offenders.

“I have visited Itasa in Iwajowa Local Government, and I can tell you that now is the right time to flush them out for the safety of the community,” he declared.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Itasa Community Development Association, Alhaji Banji Isiaka Odedele, commended stakeholders for their unwavering support in tackling illegal mining and protecting the environment.

Also present at the event were Barr. Femi Aborisade, a renowned human rights lawyer, and Adenike Ibitara, who is the Chief of Staff at JDPC, who reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring environmental justice and protecting Itasa’s residents from the dangers of illegal mining.