Residents of Itasa, a community in Iwajowa Local Council, Oke-Ogun, Oyo State have petitioned the Federal Government, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the state governor, Seyi Makinde over activities of illegal miners in the community.
Speaking during a press conference held at Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) office, Ibadan, the Itasa Community leader, Alhaji Banji Odedele; Prof. Bayo Aborisade, Comrade Femi Aborisade, Dr Doyin Odebunmi of the University of Ibadan, and Adenike Ibitara of the JDPC, expressed anger at the activities of illegal miners in the community.
They called on the government to stop the activities, which they said has led to environmental degradation, insecurity, and economic hardship in the environment.
Prof. Aborisade, who led the team, 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.
“We prepared the CDA and requested the Managing Director of Architype Industries Nigeria Limited, Engr. Ajibade to document his objections so that we can have a negotiated agreement.
“He refused. Instead, the Mines Environmental Compliance (MEC) Officer continued to call us to negotiate at his whim. And we ask: negotiate what?” Aborisade queried.
He further 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. For Femi Aborisade, the conference was part of activities lined up to resist illegal mining in the community.
“The people of Itasa land in Iwajowa local government of Oyo State have called on the Federal, the State government and international community to stop some mining companies operating illegally on their land,” the activist said.
Also, a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Special Duties to the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Dr Doyin Odebowale 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 Odedele, commended stakeholders for their unwavering support in tackling illegal mining and protecting the environment.
Reacting, the Director-General of the Mineral Development Agency of Oyo State, Abiodun Oni said: “We had a meeting with the community last week and their lawyer.
“We asked them to submit an official letter. We are still expecting their letter. That is the step we have taken.”
