Categories: featuredheroOsun

Osun Nabs 27 Illegal Miners, Line Up Traditional Chief, Expatriates For Prosecution

The Osun State Joint Task Force (JTF), recently inaugurated by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, has apprehended 27 illegal miners, comprising 17 Chinese nationals and 10 locals, including a local traditional chief (Baale).

They were arrested following a coordinated sting operation around Ilesa and Ife axis of the State.

Speaking on the development, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Abdullahi Binuyo, noted that no responsible government will fold its arms and watch its land being degraded by unauthorised persons.

He noted that aside the economic leakages, the illegal miners had also polluted the Osun River with poisonous metals, thereby making it unsafe for human consumption and irrigation.

Binuyo was, however, quick to add that apart from ensuring that those arrested are prosecuted, they will also be made to pay compensation.

“As part of the government’s economic reforms, solid mineral is a major sector we are looking to explore . For these reforms to work, it has become imperative on the reforms to stop illegal mining and step up enforcement activities. The result is what we are witnessing today.

“The people you see here neither have genuine mining licences nor are they registered with the government. What they claim to have is Exploration Licences, which does not allow them to mine, the way they are doing. So we will be prosecuting them and make them pay damages.

“Apart from flouting government’s Covid-19 Order, by refusing to stay at home, they have created environmental disaster for us, by poisoning our River which is a major public health concern for us,” Binuyo added.

Earlier, one of those arrested, May Zam, who was the only one that could speak passable English among the Chinese, disclosed that she was not aware they were engaged in illegal mining.

She said she worked for different companies, and she believed they shouid have mining licences, adding that the current company she works for, which she failed to name, has a Nigerian sponsor.

Recent Posts

Harsh Economy: Nigerians React As President Tinubu Spotted With Over 60-Vehicle Convoy In Lagos

In a video making waves on social media platforms, Nigerians have reacted with mixed feelings…

13 hours ago

Man Arrested For Insulting President Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, IGP

A popular Nigerian TikToker identified simply as Seaking has been arrested by operatives of the…

19 hours ago

The Longest Prison Sentences Ever Served

Throughout history, some individuals have endured extraordinarily long prison sentences, with their stories reflecting the…

20 hours ago

Families Call For Help As DSS Arrests Lovers In Osun Community

There is growing tension in Modakeke, Osun State, following the alleged arrest of two lovers,…

24 hours ago

Ibadan Stampede: I Regret Not Heeding Spiritual Warning – Woman Who Lost Two Kids

A victim of the stampede that occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, which has claimed…

1 day ago

Trending Stories In Osun Today

The vibrant Osun State is no stranger to captivating events and headlines that draw attention…

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.