Tinubu’s Minister Reveals Threats from Influential Figures Over Illegal Mining Remarks

The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has recently revealed that he has been subjected to threats subsequent to his remarks concerning the correlation between illicit mining and banditry in Nigeria. Alake made this disclosure during his inspection of a blast site in Ibadan, where he strongly condemned the incident and advocated for prudence in making definitive statements.

The Minister disclosed that he has been receiving threats since he addressed the involvement of influential individuals in unlawful mining during a budgetary defence session at the National Assembly. He underscored the necessity of tackling the problem of illegal mining, emphasizing the government’s collaboration with state and local authorities, as well as host communities, to deter the activities of illicit miners.

During his address, Alake highlighted the critical importance of involving host communities in the security planning process, noting their familiarity with the local terrain and populace as pivotal for effective interventions. Furthermore, he advocated for military participation to combat the challenges posed by bandits backed by influential figures in Nigeria.

With regards to the tragic explosion in Ibadan, Alake expressed his vehement condemnation and urged cautious contemplation prior to promulgating official statements. He stressed the significance of conducting thorough forensic analysis, investigations by security agencies, assessments from the mines inspectorate division, and intelligence reports prior to reaching any conclusive determinations.

Alake emphasized the necessity of producing a credible forensic report to ensure the government is well-informed before arriving at any conclusive decisions. He cautioned against premature conclusions, citing the potential for misinformation.

In conclusion, Dele Alake’s revelations enlighten us on the intricate issues surrounding illegal mining and its nexus to banditry in Nigeria. His courage in speaking out against powerful individuals manifests the government’s dedication to addressing these challenges and involving all pertinent stakeholders in devising sustainable solutions. Let us hope that his endeavours will engender positive transformation in the battle against illegal mining and related criminal activities in the nation.