Government’s Efforts to Combat Illegal Mining After Ibadan Explosion

The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, announced a significant development during his recent visit to Ibadan. He conveyed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal mining in Nigeria’s mining sector, particularly in light of the tragic explosion at Bodija Estate in Ibadan.

During his visit, Minister Alake shed light on the involvement of influential individuals in the illicit activities associated with illegal mining in the country. He highlighted the fact that the banditry, terrorism, and insecurity linked to the mining sector are supported by powerful figures in society. Alake underscored the imperative for collaboration between the federal government, state and local governments, and host communities to effectively address the issue.

The minister underscored the pervasive nature of illegal mining, emphasizing its impact across all levels of society. Consequently, the government is deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies and tactics to combat this issue. Alake also disclosed that the Federal Government would await the final report of the forensic investigations into the Bodija estate explosion before making definitive decisions on the unfortunate incident.

He cautioned against premature pronouncements prior to the availability of authentic and viable forensic reports from various agencies and intelligence arms of the security agencies. Only then will the federal government be able to make informed decisions and statements regarding the incident and the victims. Alake also urged citizens to exercise vigilance and report any suspicious activities in their surroundings to avert negative outcomes.

The Nigerian government’s efforts to address the issue of illegal mining are commendable. The commitment to collaborating with local authorities and the emphasis on safety and security measures demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring the well-being of citizens. It is vital for all sectors of society to unite in combating illegal mining and preventing tragic incidents such as the Ibadan explosion from recurring.