Illegal Quarry Operation in Ondo State: A Growing Concern for Residents and Authorities

A recent report by Development News Nigeria (DNN) has shed light on the troubling activities of an illegal Quarry at Ijigba, Ondo state, in clear violation of the 2007 Nigerian Mineral and Mining Act. The quarry has caused significant environmental degradation, posing dangers to the community and raising issues of child labor exploitation.

The neglect of infrastructure in the area, specifically the Ijoka Road-Cannan Land-Ijigba to Oda road, has been attributed to the activities of tipper drivers using the road. According to Arabambi Oluwaseun, a resident of the Canaan Land area, the road was constructed some years ago but has since crumbled due to the constant use by these drivers. However, the bigger issue at hand is the impact of the quarry operation on the community.

The quarry, operating without a specific name, was found to have approximately seven workers using crude tools without proper safety gear. Shockingly, it was reported that some children were also working at the quarry without any protective equipment, a clear violation of the Child Rights Act of 2003.

Furthermore, the quarry’s location in a residential area goes against the provisions of the 2007 Nigerian Mineral and Mining Act. This has led to severe erosion, resulting in the destruction of houses in the area, with some residents forced to abandon their homes due to incessant flooding.

The most disturbing revelation from the investigation is the regular occurrence of children working at the site without any regard for their safety or well-being. The quarry’s ownership has also remained shrouded in secrecy, with no visible signposts to identify the operators.

In response to this pressing issue, the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment Oyeniyi Oseni, uncovered illegal sand mines within the state. However, this move was met with opposition from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals, which described the state agency’s involvement as undue interference in mining activities.

Amidst these conflicting interests, the community continues to bear the brunt of the quarry’s operations with the Ijigba-Davog road deteriorating and the environmental impact expanding.

As the authorities at the state and federal levels grapple with their differences, the immediate concern remains the well-being of the community and the need for urgent intervention to address the illegal quarry operation and safeguard the rights and safety of the residents, particularly the children involved.

This investigation raises significant concerns about the government’s oversight of mining activities and the pressing need for regulatory measures to prevent such unlawful operations, protect the environment, and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, including children.

It is imperative that the relevant authorities take prompt and decisive action to address this issue and hold the perpetrators accountable for their illegal activities. The well-being of the community and the protection of the environment must be upheld as top priorities in this critical situation.