The Urgent Need for Military Involvement in Combating Illegal Mining Bandits, as Explained by Minister Alake
Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has publicly elucidated the rationale behind the ministry’s decision to enlist the military in combating illegal mining activities by bandits. The minister highlighted the possession of sophisticated weapons and ammunition by these bandits as the primary impetus for this strategic intervention.
In a statement delivered at the Bodija, Ibadan explosion site, Alake expressed astonishment at the magnitude of the devastation and implored Nigerians to remain vigilant in reporting any dubious activities to the pertinent security authorities. Furthermore, he undertook a visit to the site to assess the situation and received briefings from Prof. Temitope Alonge, the leader of the emergency response committee established by the state government, and Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, the Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan.
Alake’s apprehension was palpable as he commented on the astonishing storage of heavy explosives in a residential area without any prior suspicion or reports to the security agencies. Moreover, the Minister disclosed the alarming revelation that influential individuals in the country are financing the bandits engaged in illegal mining, resulting in personal threats directed at him. Nevertheless, he underscored his steadfast resolve to address these issues resolutely.
Expounding on the situation, Alake underscored the imperative for military involvement in light of the bandits’ access to sophisticated weaponry and ammunition. He expounded on the Government’s collaborative efforts with security agencies, the implementation of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies and tactics to address insecurity, and the essential engagement of stakeholders, including host communities and local security forces.
The Minister affirmed that justice would be served for the victims of the explosion and reiterated the Government’s steadfast commitment to await a comprehensive report from experts before taking further action.
During his visit to UCH, Ibadan, Alake inspected the injured individuals undergoing treatment, underscoring the Government’s empathy and attentiveness to the affected victims.
It is evident that Minister Alake’s elucidation underscores the immediacy and gravity of the prevailing situation. The menace posed by armed illegal mining bandits must be expeditiously and effectively addressed to forestall further harm to communities and the nation’s natural resources. The Government’s collaboration with the military and all relevant stakeholders underscores a concerted endeavour to comprehensively and decisively tackle this issue.
