In a decisive move to curb illegal mining activities, the Oyo State government has successfully apprehended a group of illegal miners operating in Idi-Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government Area.
Governor Seyi Makinde announced on Saturday that the undisclosed number of culprits was taken into custody following a tip-off about their processing facility for illicitly mined minerals.
Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of citizens’ cooperation in facilitating these arrests and highlighted the government’s commitment to preventing a repeat of the January explosion in Bodija, Ibadan.
The governor attributed the Bodija incident to the activities of illegal miners, underscoring the need for swift action against such practices.
Expressing concern over the extradition challenges, Governor Makinde lamented the difficulty in bringing to justice the Malians implicated in the Bodija explosion who are currently evading capture.
He attributed the extradition hurdles to Mali’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The governor assured that diplomatic channels would be persistently explored to ensure the apprehension and prosecution of the fleeing individuals.
Governor Makinde conveyed, “In our efforts to prevent a recurrence of the Bodija Incident, we were at Idi-Ayunre, following a tip-off about a facility used to process illegally mined minerals.
I can report that those involved have been arrested and are in custody, and we are working to prosecute them.
Our government has also taken over the facility pending investigations and prosecution.”
He further urged citizens to remain vigilant, stating, “Please continue to support our efforts to rid our state of illegal activities.
If you see something, say something, and the authorities will do something. 615 is the toll-free number to call when you notice any security breaches.”
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