Tension has enveloped Orisunmibare community in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State after a quarry blast by Sequoia Mining Company Limited allegedly killed a 25-year-old man, Abiodun Alarape.
The incident, which occurred two Saturdays ago at Akilapa area beside Rochas School along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, has triggered outrage and mass protests by residents who accused the Chinese-owned company of negligence and reckless operations.
Eyewitnesses said Alarape, who worked at a nearby factory, was struck by flying rocks from the blast and died instantly.
Enraged residents stormed the quarry on Monday, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop the killing,” “No more blasting,” “We are not slaves,” and “Quarry must go,” demanding the immediate closure of the firm.
The Coordinator of Orisunmibare Community Development Forum, Mr. Ayo Akinyemi, said the firm’s blasting operations had turned the community into a death trap.
“We are facing a serious environmental and public safety crisis. Our houses are cracking, roofs are collapsing, and the ground shakes like an earthquake whenever they blast,” Akinyemi said.
“Last week, their operation killed a young man. We have complained several times to NESREA and other agencies, yet no action has been taken. Enough is enough; this quarry must go.”
Another resident, Mr. Abiodun Akanji, condemned the company’s decision to continue blasting just a day after the fatal incident.
“My house has been destroyed three times because of their activities. Despite the death of that young man, they resumed work the very next day. That shows they have no regard for human life,” he lamented.
Mrs. Olufadeke Akinyemi added that the issue was beyond money.
“We are not asking for compensation. We are asking for safety. Our children and families are at risk. The government must step in before another life is lost,” she said.
Officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) visited the site following the tragedy.
The Assistant Chief Environmental Health Officer for Oyo State Field Office, Mrs. Mojisola Adeoye, who represented the State Coordinator, Mr. Toyin Obagiri, confirmed that a stop-work order had been issued to the company pending investigation.
“We received reports that a quarry blast led to a fatality, and we immediately issued a stop-work order, which the company has complied with. We are now investigating,” Adeoye said.
Reacting, the Administrative Officer of Sequoia Mining, Mr. Akinola Sanusi, described the incident as “an unfortunate accident,” while expressing sympathy with the family of the deceased.
“It was an unfortunate accident, and we sympathise deeply with the family of the late Abiodun Alarape. We will ensure that the right thing is done,” Sanusi said.
The company, however, denied allegations of widespread destruction in the community, insisting that only one house was previously affected and that government inspection showed the building was substandard.
Meanwhile, residents have renewed calls on Governor Seyi Makinde and the Federal Government to permanently shut down the quarry, insisting that its operations pose a grave danger to lives and property.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
