Illegal Malian Miners Behind Ibadan Explosion Misled About Nationality in Corporate Document
New details have come to light regarding the individuals linked to the recent explosion that rocked Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. It has been found that the leader of a mining operation in the Oke-Ogun Area of Oyo State is Sawane Youssouf, a national of Mali.
According to a document obtained from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Youssouf established a mining company called SDYB International Company Nigeria Limited with RC 511184. This company, registered on May 17, 2004, is noted as inactive and has its registered address in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Further inquiry by SaharaReporters revealed that the company did not possess a valid license to conduct mining activities in Oyo State. While the website of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development lists 297 mining operators with valid licenses, SDYB International Company Nigeria Limited is not among them.
The CAC document indicated that Youssouf, along with a Nigerian and two other Malians, serve as the directors of the mining company. The company’s secretary is listed as Ajisafe Olaide, and the addresses of the directors and secretary are also provided in the document.
Interestingly, the document shows that the directors claimed to be Nigerians, but sources in the Bodija area revealed that Youssouf and two of the directors are actually Malians. Residents also mentioned that Youssouf and his associates had been amassing explosives for years in a residential area near the Oyo State Government Secretariat, with the intention of expanding their mining business.
It has been reported that Sawane Youssouf had been utilizing Nigerian security operatives to conduct his mining business without any form of accountability. This revelation is quite alarming, particularly given that the explosion led to loss of lives and property. The death toll from the incident has now reached five, with the state government recovering two more bodies from the scene.
Fatai Owoseni, the special adviser on security matters to Governor Seyi Makinde, confirmed the rise in casualties and assured the public that the government is working towards transparency in handling the situation. He also mentioned that security agencies are collaborating to gather information for the prosecution of those accountable.
It has been disclosed that the explosion was caused by explosives stored by illegal miners occupying a house in the Bodija area of the city. The victims of the incident expressed their devastating losses, while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that over 20 houses and residences were affected by the blast.
The circumstances surrounding this explosion are deeply concerning. It is imperative for the authorities to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The safety and well-being of citizens are paramount, and this incident cannot be overlooked or taken lightly.
