The Federal Government has shut down a mining site at Temiloluwa community, Oke-Opa, Ile-Ife, Osun State, over alleged trespass, encroachment, and illegal mining activities.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the closure of the site followed an outcry by a resident of the area, Adeniyi Adeleke, who claimed that the miners were illegally mining on his land.
According to Adeleke, the miners occupied his land on Wednesday, October 16, and started mining without his consent.
Adeleke, in a video seen by our correspondent, said he never released his land for any mining activities, calling on the government to intervene.
Following the video, which went viral on social media, the Ministry of Solid Minerals sent an inspection team to the site on Friday, October 18.
The ministry, in a letter dated 21st October 2024 and registered MID/OS/EL/104/30, said the mining companies did not have approval or any documentation for their operations.
The letter reads, “May I please refer to the inspection conducted by a team of inspectors led by the Zonal Mines Officer, South-West Zone on Friday, 18th October 2024 in response to a viral video clip by Evangelist Adeleke Adeniyi alleging activities of illegal mining operation and trespass/encroachment into private property, and inform you that your companies have been engaging in mining activities at Temiloluwa community, Aba Iya Gani, Oke-Opa, Ife Central LGA, Ile-Ife, Osun State, without any documentation/authorisation from this office, which is in contravention of Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and Regulation 2011.
“In light of the above, you are hereby ordered to immediately stop all forms of exploration, mining, and processing until the conclusion of further investigation/discussion and subsequent further directive from the ministry.”
Confirming the closure of the mining site, Adeleke told Saturday PUNCH that the government had also sealed the equipment being used by the miners on his land.
“When I discovered that the miners had started mining on my land, I made a video to seek help last week Wednesday. I am happy that the Federal Government has intervened and stopped mining activities in the area.
“The miners have also covered the portion of the land they dug. They were also directed to do other necessary things which they have shown commitment to. I want to appreciate the government for this,” he said.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the mining companies, whose names were covered on the letter sighted by our correspondent on Thursday, started their operations in August this year in the area.
PUNCH
