Yusuf Oketola
NIGERIANS on Twitter have called on the Federal Government to checkmate the activities of illegal miners in Osun and Lagos State communities.
The concerned Nigerians converged on Twitter with hashtag #StopChineseIllegalMining on Sunday, May 28, 2023, in protest against alleged illegal mining activities by Chinese.
The tweeps stated that Chinese miners have made themselves lords on the Nigerian natural resources, which belong to the people and government.
Citing environmental pollution, among other havoc wrecked by the Chinese miners, the tweeps lamented that communities where mining are taking place are still battling with degradation, encroachment and crimes.
Specifically, the tweeps called on necessary government agencies to check the activities of miners at the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) in Lagos and others in Osun communities.
“Marching with pride to protect our soil and environment. Chinese illegal mining has gone too far, and it’s time to put an end to it. Together, we can restore balance,” a tweep said.
Nafeesah Abdullahi, another Twitter user, tweeted: “Let’s take a collective step forward to stop Chinese illegal mining from spoiling our soil and ravaging our environment. Together, we can make a difference!”
“Stand up for what’s right! Chinese illegal mining is a threat to our ecosystem. Let’s fight back and protect our environment for future generations,” @nygnotorious said.
OSUN DEFENDER recalls that many residents living in communities where mining is taking place in Osun have made several complaints about the activities of miners, both legal and illegal.
In December 2020, residents of Opa community in Osun accused a team of Chinese miners of environmental abuse and encroachment on their land.
The miners, who were allegedly looking for gold, had purchased a small portion of land near a stream from a local chief.
However, they later expanded their mining activities to other parts of the community, digging close to some houses and causing damage and flooding.
The residents said they tried to stop the miners but they were ignored and intimidated by armed policemen guarding the site.
