Osun Monarch Warns Against Illegal Mining
By Israel Afolabi
A traditional ruler, Oba Christopher Ariyo the Onibala of Ibala in Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun has charged the Federal Ministry of Mining and Office of Natural and Minerals Resources in Osun to tackle the problem of illegal mining so as to put an end to the activities.
The monarch, made this known while responding to questions from journalists in Osogbo, the state capital.
Oba Ariyo lamented the activities of illegal miners across the country which is causing setback to the Nigeria economy.
He said illegal mining activity has been worrisome since a decade ago in the affected community which affect every arm of government negatively.
According to him, “the activities of illegal miners have contributed negatively to the economy of the state and Nigeria which is very embarrassing indeed “.
He frowned at this illegal work which is supposed to be a source of income for governments both at the State and federal level, if handled properly and maintained effectively.
The monarch canvassed for the support of all security agencies, forest guard, Nigeria police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps [NSCDC] especially those saddled with the responsibility to curtailing such activities in the country.
He urged the entire members of his community to raise alarm whenever they come across illegal mining activities in his domain.
He said that NSCDC has a lot of work to do in these communities because it will be embarrassing to continue with such illegal thing without putting a stop to it.
He urged all stakeholders in the state to put adequate measure in place to generate more revenue to government purse in order to have enough income at government disposal.
However, Ibala, Ibodi and its environment in Atakumosa West Local Government Area of the State are rich with mineral resources especially gold in large quantity which Federal Government has failed to pay adequate attention to.
