Threats Received by Minister Over Illegal Mining Claims
The Honorable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has recently made a significant revelation regarding threats to his personal safety. These threats reportedly stem from his involvement in implicating influential figures within Nigeria in illicit mining activities. The Minister made these disclosures during his official visit to the site of a tragic explosion in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, which resulted in loss of life and damage to property.
Mr. Alake has disclosed that he has been subjected to menacing messages since his testimony regarding the involvement of prominent individuals in illegal mining at the National Assembly. Despite these intimidations, he has reaffirmed his determination to reveal the truth, emphasizing that it is a matter of public interest and not a novel revelation.
The Minister highlighted the pervasive collusion at various levels of society, involving high-ranking officials as well as ordinary citizens, in perpetuating illegal mining activities. He also underscored the Government’s concerted efforts, in coordination with stakeholders at the state, local government, and host community levels, to address this issue.
Furthermore, in addition to addressing the illegal mining problem, Minister Alake has condemned the Ibadan explosion and emphasized the necessity for comprehensive investigations prior to making definitive statements about the incident. He stressed the importance of awaiting comprehensive forensic reports and intelligence findings from multiple agencies before drawing conclusions.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by well-funded and heavily armed bandits sponsored by influential figures involved in illegal mining, the Minister has emphasized the critical need for military support and community involvement in implementing effective security measures.
In conclusion, Minister Alake has underscored the Government’s unwavering commitment to resolving the issue of illegal mining and ensuring public safety. He has urged caution and patience in evaluating incidents such as the Ibadan explosion to avoid premature or misleading conclusions.
