Forum warns of environmental, security risks from illegal mining in Ogun

By Stanley Ihedigbo

Ibile Justice Forum, a civil society advocacy group, has raised the alarm over alleged illegal mining activities in Iloro I, Iloro II and Ibiri villages within the Ado-Odo community of Ogun State, warning of environmental degradation and growing security concerns.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Forum by Comrade Ifeoluwa Amoo and Comrade Ganiu Owolabi, and made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, the group described as worrisome the attempts by the management of SAF Investment and Property Company Limited to embark on mining activities in a farm settlement originally designated for agricultural development, thereby disrupting the livelihoods of the agrarian community.

In the statement, which reads in part, the duo said: “We are constrained to speak against the deliberate actions of SAF Investment and Property Company Limited, whose actions and inactions have rendered our community economically prostrate, disadvantaged and environmentally unsafe, with other clear and present dangers staring us in the face.

“We are talking about a situation where our collective patrimony is being arbitrarily exploited by a company to the detriment of the community, whose livelihoods have not only been hijacked but left in ruins and destruction as a result of the nefarious activities being perpetrated within the area.

“We are even more worried that these nefarious activities are being aided and abetted by so-called traditional institutions, which ordinarily are supposed to be custodians of the mores and customs of the community, all for selfish aggrandisement and a craze for filthy lucre.

“That these illegal mining activities are happening at a time when the Federal Government is trying to harness and ensure equitable distribution of the nation’s natural endowments is a clear affront to the powers and authority of the Federal Government by an entity unknown in law, and should not be allowed to stand.

“We are aware that SAF Investment and Property Company Limited was directed by the Ministry of Agriculture, in a memo dated January 28, 2025, to stop all mining activities, having withdrawn the initial approval granted to the company on December 5, 2024.

“Why the company chose to remain on site and continue exploration activities in defiance of the ministry’s directive is baffling and deeply worrisome.
“The impression that the company can act unchallenged, unabated and unhindered has further heightened tension in the community, with residents living in perpetual fear and dread over what may happen as the continuous exploitation persists.

“We therefore use this medium to call on the Federal Government, the Ogun State Government and the Office of the Inspector-General of Police to urgently intervene to forestall a breach of public peace and harmony, and to rescue the community from further harm.”

As of press time, attempts to reach an official of SAF Investment and Property Company Limited, Alhaji Kazeem Adebanjo Safiriyu, for comments were unsuccessful, as his GSM line was switched off.