Stop illegal gold mining in Osun, monarch begs Oyetola

From Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo
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A traditional ruler in Atakunmosa West Local Government Area of Osun state, the Atagunmodi of Itagunmodi, Oba Michael Famadewa-Kosile has cried out over incessant insecurity of lives and property in the state due to the influx of illegal gold miners.

The monarch who is ruling over the community largely deposited with gold, asked the state governor, Gboyega Oyetola to as a matter of emergency, order the stoppage of gold mining activities in his domain and other gold mining sites in the state.

Oba Famadewa-Kosile stated this while addressing journalists at the Osun NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo.

The traditional ruler who was kidnapped on May 30, 2018 by some Fulani herdsmen before his escape from their captivity, said his community has not been secured ever since strangers from the northern part of the country, Chad and Niger invaded it to mine gold illegally.

According to the monarch, the stoppage of the mining operations would reduce the rate of kidnapping, theft and killings in the state.

He said some illegal miners would be forced to exit the state once they discover that there is a law banning mining operations.

Asked if there is security in Itagunmodi and its environs, Oba Famadewa-Kosile said “If there is security, would I be kidnapped, beaten and dehumanised in the hands of twenty Fulani men that abducted me? There is no security, no water and other infrastructures in my community. We are not benefitting anything, despite that we are lucky to have gold in my domain.