The Ondo State Government has arrested five suspected illegal sand miners at Ilu-Agbo in the Ese Local Government Area of the state.
The Senior Special Assistant on Mining to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Mrs Folawe Sipasi-Aluko, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Okitipupa.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the suspected illegal miners are: David Ayara, David Monday, Bonima Boluwatife, Stanley Odoh, and Wisdom Nomiye.
Sipasi-Aluko led the operation in collaboration with the Federal Mines Task Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Other officials from the State Ministry of Mineral and Energy, the State Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry were involved in the operation.
Also, involved in the operation were the Department of State Security (DSS) and Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun) led by one Mr Joseph Ebisanmi, among others.
Sipasi-Aluko said several warnings issued by the government in the past fell on the deaf ears of the miners in the area, explaining that Gov. Aiyedatiwa has zero tolerance for illegal mining activities.
She declared that companies involved in sand mining must legalise their operations by obtaining an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate or an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
She added that the effects of illegal mining, such as flooding, are deadly, and emphasised that the government will not stand idly by while citizens suffer as the rainy season intensifies.
“It is high time we put an end to illegal mining in Ondo state, particularly sand mining at Ilu-Agbo along River Oluwa in Ese-Odo.
“The effects on the community are extremely dangerous, and the state government. Ondo state has zero tolerance for illegal mining.
“All companies operating illegally must obtain their EIA certificate or Environmental Management Plan.
“We aim to eradicate flooding from this community as Mr Governor is committed to ensuring the safety of our people,” she said.
Mr Isaac Ojo, the Director of Environmental Impact Assessment, stated that miners would be given instructions during the EIA process to ensure that their activities do not harm the community.
“They will be guided on where to place their machines, loading points, and how to channel waste properly. Without an EIA certificate, there is a significant risk of future harm,” he said.
Chief Taiwo Abisagbo, a community leader in Igbobini, also commended the government over the operation and the bold step to moderate the activities of illegal miners on waterways across the state.
He said illegal sand mining in the area had caused significant damage to the community, particularly in agriculture, housing, and health.
He, however, reiterated the readiness of the leadership of the community to continue to collaborate with the office of the senior special assistant to the governor on mining to ensure success.
