The Government of Oyo State on Monday, has confirmed the arrest of Chinese immigrants over illegal mining.
Sooro market in Kishi Irepo Local government area in the Oke-ogun region of the state has also been closed down.
The government confirmed that over 32 persons were apprehended including 2 Chinese nationals during a raid of illegal lithium mining market in the area.
Bar. Adebayo Lawal, the state Deputy Governor, had during a clearance operation against the illegal miners at the market, ordered it’s closure and immediate evacuation of all illegal structures and shanties built across the market and the precious stones
He warned that the state government will not hesitate to pounce on any individual involved in illegal mining activities in the
the state.
Speaking shortly after a critical security stakeholder’s meeting held at the deputy governor’s office, secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the Executive Assistant on Security to the State Governor, CP Sunday Odukoya (Rtd) said the government will not condone illegal mining in the state, cautioning indigenes against colluding with illegal miners as the government is ready to deal decisively with eering persons.
CP Odukoya said “we just had an intensive meeting on security over the illegal mining happening in Oke-ogun especially in Sooro in Irepo Local Government area of the state. The government has taken it’s position which means that everybody has to stand up to their responsibility to ensure adequate peace in the region.
“The Kabiesi, Iba of Kishi, Oba Mashoud Lawal has promised to make sure the area is free of hoodlums and that all the criminalities within his area will definitely come to an end .
He added that the state government will not relent in ensuring that the area remains peaceful and the market remain closed until further directive is given by the state governor ‘Seyi Makinde.
In his reaction, the Director General,Oyo State Operation Burst, Colonel James Oladipo Ajibola( Rtd) maintained that the collaborative efforts of traditional leaders and joint security taskforce enabled instant restoration of peace and order in the area stating that his agency has arrested thirty-two (32) illegal miners at the Kishi-Sooro Market including two Chinese migrants, who are at the moment undergoing investigation.
Also speaking on the incident, Pharmacist Bioku Abdul-Rahman the Chairman, Kishi Progressive Union and Bobajiro of Kishiland, appreciated Seyi Makinde, the state governor for his efforts at tackling insecurity in the state.
He equally applauded the state Deputy Governor, for his effectiveness over the incident.
He described the meeting with the deputy governor and as fruitful pledges to utilize the advice given at the meeting in the best interest of the town.
