Forum endorses Ogun State Government’s strategy to combat illegal mining

Michael Olumide

Ibile Justice Forum, an advocacy group committed to the cause of justice, has commended the Ogun State Government for its decisive action aimed at ending the menace of illegal mining across the state.

This commendation comes on the heels of the state government’s intervention, which on Tuesday ordered the cessation of illegal mining activities across the state, including in some communities in Iloro I, Iloro II, and Ibiri Village in the Ado-Odo area of Ogun State, allegedly involving SAF Investment and Property Company Limited.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owootomo, on Tuesday reiterated the state government’s commitment to safeguarding farmlands, a goal he said remains a top priority of the administration.

The state government reportedly ordered the immediate cessation of the unauthorised mining activities in the affected communities by the company.

According to the Commissioner, no directive was issued by the state government permitting the company to mine in the area, prompting swift intervention once the activities were discovered.

“Upon becoming aware of the situation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security engaged the company directly. The company acknowledged the concerns raised and agreed to halt all operations at the site immediately,” Owootomo said.

He added that the company has commenced the evacuation of its equipment and materials from the affected locations, noting that the process is already underway.

“To ensure compliance, formal communication, including a written notice, has been issued to document the agreement,” he stated.

The Commissioner further assured residents of the affected communities that SAF Investment and Property Company Limited would no longer operate in the area, emphasising that monitoring and enforcement measures remain in force to prevent future violations.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Ifeoluwa Amoo and Comrade Ganiu Owolabi, the Forum described the government’s action as heartening and worthy of commendation.

According to the group, the state government’s timely intervention at this critical point is reassuring and reinforces the belief that the lives of less-privileged citizens also matter.

In the statement, which reads in part, the Forum said: “We are immensely grateful to the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led government for its prompt intervention to nip the menace of illegal mining activities across the state in the bud. We strongly believe that such action sends the right signal to the downtrodden that their lives and livelihoods also matter in the scheme of things.

“We are persuaded that such ill-conceived and selfish actions by a section of the public, aimed at advancing the interests of a few, will not recur. We also urge community members to take ownership of their land by maintaining internal vigilance over their environment and being ready to call out anyone whose actions may undermine the peace and stability of their communities.

“Once again, we reiterate that the state government must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that companies involved in all forms of illegal activities, including economic sabotage and other actions capable of jeopardising public interest, are treated as the criminals they are and made to face the full wrath of the law without mercy.”