Nigerian Government shuts mining site for illegal operations in Osun

*The Federal Government of Nigeria seals off a mining site in a community, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, over alleged trespass, encroachment, and illegal mining activities

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government of Nigeria has sealed off a mining site in Temiloluwa community, Oke-Opa, Ile-Ife, in Osun State, over alleged trespass, encroachment, and illegal mining activities.

ConsumerConnect learnt the authorities shut the mining site, following an outcry by certain Evangelist Adeniyi Adeleke, a resident in the community, who claimed that the miners were illegally mining on his land.

Adeleke recently said the miners had occupied his land, and started mining without his consent.

The resident, in a video, also 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 Development sent an inspection team to the site Friday, October 18 this year.

The Ministry, in a letter dated October 21, 2024, and registered MID/OS/EL/104/30, said the mining companies did not have approval or any documentation for their operations.

The company began their operations August this year in the said area.

The Ministry stated: “May I please refer to the inspection conducted by a team of inspectors led by the Zonal Mines Officer, South-West Zone on Friday, October 18, 2024, in response to a viral video clip by  Adeleke, alleging activities of illegal mining operations 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, said the government had also sealed the equipment being used by the miners on his land, The Punch report said.

The resident further explained: “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.

Adeleke equally said: “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.”