Oyo State Govt. Cracks down on illegal miners in Oke Ogun
By Adewale Owoade
The Oyo State Government has cracked down on activities of illegal miners in Sooro community in Kishi area of Oke Ogun, in the State
The government also warned indegene and residents of Kishi and its environs who aid the miners, to desist from such acts capable of disrupting the security of lives and properties in the area and the state at large.
Executive Assistant to Gov. Seyi Makinde on Security, retired CP Sunday Odukoya, gave the warning after a meeting of security stakeholders and traditional leaders with Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal.
Illegal miners and some hoodlums in Sooro community of Kishi in Oke Ogun, over the weekend attacked security operatives who raided the illegal lithium mining market.
Odukoya said it was the position of Oyo State government that everyone stood up to their responsibility in stopping activities of illegal mining, and ensuring adequate peace in the area.
“We just had an intensive meeting with the deputy governor of the state over this illegal mining happening in Oke Ogun, especially in Soro.
“The government has taken its position, which is that everybody has to stand up to their responsibility, to ensure adequate peace in our region.
“The Kabiyesi has made a promise that he will make sure that the criminality that is happening within his area definitely comes to an end.
“The government is still standing to ensure that the area remained peaceful, and the market at Soro remained closed until further directive is given by His Excellency,” Odukoya said.
Also speaking, Director-General, Operation Burst, retired Colonel Oladipo Ajibola, said collaborative efforts of traditional leaders and joint security taskforce enabled instant restoration of peace and order in Sooro community.
He added that thirty-two illegal miners including two Chinese migrants, were arrested and are under investigations.
“Over the weekend there was an issue of insecurity as a result of illegal mining, security agencies were there to ensure that issues were resolved.
“Some of the vehicles they were using to collect the product were stopped by some of the hoodlums, as a result of that it degenerated.
“And the community leaders including our royal father, the Kabiyesi of Kishi had to intervene and other prominent leaders in Kishi.
“With that effort of the security agencies, all the vehicles and the criminals were arrested,” he stated.
Similarly, the Kishi traditional leader, represented by President of Kishi Indigene Union, Pharmacists Abdulrahman Bioku, assured the government of their support in the fight against illegal mining activities.
“We as the community leaders, we know that it is the interest of the community that they have in heart, because without security there won’t be any development.
“We are going back home with the advice given to us to ensure that security prevails in the community,” Bioku said. (NAN)
