From Victor Akinkuolie, Igbekebo

The Ondo State Government has arrested five suspected illegal miners in Ilu-Agbo, Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The government also announced the suspension of all further activities by dredgers and miners in waterways across the State.

The suspects, who gave their names as David Ayara, David Monday, Bonima Boluwatife, Stanley Odoh, and Wisdom Nomiye, were arrested in Ilu-Agbo, along River Oluwa, in Ese-Odo Local Government Area.

The operation was led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mining, Mrs Folawe Sipasi-Aluko and accompanied by the Coordinator of the Ondo State Security Network in the local government, Mr Joseph Ebisanmi, alongside other officials from the State Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Afforestation.

Officials from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also joined the operation.

Speaking during the exercise, Mrs Folawe Sipasi-Aluko said several warnings issued by the government in the past had fallen on deaf ears. She reiterated that the government has zero tolerance for illegal mining activities.

Sipasi-Aluko emphasised that companies involved must legalise their operations by obtaining an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate or an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

She explained that the effects of illegal mining, such as flooding, are deadly and that the government cannot fold its arms while citizens suffer as the rainy season gains momentum.

“It’s 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. 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. Mr Governor is committed to ensuring the safety of our people,” she said.

Also speaking during the operation, a community leader in Igbobini, Ese-Odo Local Government, High Chief Taiwo Abisagbo, commended the Ondo State Government for the operation.

Chief Abisagbo, who is also the Egbekaramu, the second in command to the monarch of Igbobini, similarly praised the government for suspending all activities in the State’s waterways.

He said illegal sand mining in the area has caused significant damage to the community, particularly in agriculture, housing, and health.

He reiterated the community leadership’s readiness to continue collaborating with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mining to ensure success.

The Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Balogun, said the state government had taken the right decision, noting that illegal mining leads to various forms of natural disasters.

He stressed that miners should obtain government approval to prevent unforeseen disasters in the community.

The Director of Environmental Impact Assessment, Mr Isaac Ojo, stated that miners would be given instructions during the EIA process to ensure their activities do not harm the community.

“For example, 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.