The Ondo State Government has warned residents of Ondo South to desist from engaging in illegal mining activities, stating that anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mining, Mrs. Folawe Sipasi-Aluko, issued the warning during her visit to Ilu-Agbo, along River Oluwa in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state.

Sipasi-Aluko stated that the State Government has zero tolerance for illegal mining and 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.

“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.

The Chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government, High Chief Ebimobowe Molos, who appreciated the state government’s intervention, said illegal sand mining in the area has caused significant damage to the community, particularly in agriculture, housing, and health.

He added that the local government is ready to collaborate 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. T.A. Balogun, said the state government has 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.

Mr. Adejoro Joshua, from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, said the current level of illegal mining in the community is unacceptable. He pointed to wood planks processed illegally and stored along the riverbank, warning of the dangers involved and urging miners to comply with government regulations.

The Community Youth Leader, Mr. Ojo Tejumola, explained that illegal mining had previously caused unimaginable disasters and called for the swift implementation of the Governor’s plans for the community.

An elder in the community, Mr. Sola Olanokun, noted that flooding remains the community’s major challenge, stating that several families have been rendered homeless and that farmers are experiencing poor harvests.

Others in the Governor’s delegation included Mr. Gbenga Olatubosun, Deputy Director; Mr. Akinlogbe Olakiitan Thompson, Scientific Officer at the Ministry of Environment; Mrs. Ijiehin Olufunke Idowu; and Mr. Olanrewaju Stephen Afolabi, both councillors.