Oyo State Government, on Monday, launched a Joint Task Force on Illegal Mining and Enforcing Executive Order 001/2023.
This signalled a comprehensive crackdown on unauthorised mining activities and non-compliance with the regulatory frameworks.
This step, according to the government, will combat illegal mining and protect the host communities from attack.
The event was held at both Babaaro in Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area, and Iseyin City Hall in the Iseyin Local Government Area of the state, respectively.
In his address, the Director-General of the state Mineral Development Agency, Abiodun Oni, declared that “the state would no longer tolerate illegal mining activities.
“The task force has come to stay in this state. Anyone found engaging in illegal mining will be held accountable and prosecuted. The law will take its full course.”
He urged the residents to report suspicious activities to the appropriate quarters, saying, “If you see something, say something. We must all join hands together to curb this menace.”
Oni commended the state governor, Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering support in ensuring the security of the residents and the protection of the state’s natural resources.
Also speaking, the General Manager of OYSMIDA, Olufunke Omidiran, described the initiative as a strategic response to the growing threat of illegal mining, saying the task force is well-equipped and tasked with promoting sustainable mining practices and environmental stewardship.
In his speech, the Special Adviser to the governor on Migrant and Homeland Security, Segun Adegoke, said, “The task force includes all constitutionally recognised security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps. Oyo is tackling the problem head-on.”
In a related development, the state has begun strict enforcement of Executive Order 001/2023, which mandates mining stakeholders and host communities to comply with the signing of Consent Letters and Community Development Agreements as stipulated by the Nigerian Mining Act.
Present at the event are government officials, traditional leaders, community representatives, and security agencies, among others.
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