A recent report by the Nigerian Observer indicates that Egbetua, a community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, is grappling with the severe impact of illegal gold mining, which has persisted for over 25 years. Once a thriving agricultural hub, Egbetua now faces environmental degradation, insecurity, and economic decline due to unchecked mining activities.
Edo State is rich in natural resources such as gold, limestone, and marble, among others. However, illegal mining in communities like Egbetua has deprived residents of these resources’ benefits, leaving behind ecological destruction and social challenges.
The Nigerian Observer reports that illegal mining in Egbetua is conducted by locals and miners brought in from northern states, including Zamfara and Sokoto. The miners operate without regulation, digging vast pits in the Odo bush, which have rendered farmlands unusable and disrupted agricultural activities—the primary livelihood of the residents.
Community leaders and residents lament that illegal mining has exacerbated poverty and insecurity. They attribute a rise in crimes such as kidnapping to the influx of miners and other unknown individuals into the community. Chief Peter Momoh, head of Egbetua, expressed concerns over the miners’ activities, stating, “Our people are unable to access their farmlands, and insecurity has made daily life difficult.”
Despite directives from the Edo State government to vacate the mining site, some miners have continued operations. A letter issued by the Egbetua Council of Chiefs and Elders in March 2024 demanded that the miners leave immediately, citing the Federal Government’s ban on illegal mining. While some miners vacated the area, others, allegedly working for local stakeholders, defied the order.
Investigations revealed that illegal mining in Egbetua is often linked to banditry and violence. The absence of regulation has allowed the exploitation of resources without accountability, leaving the community to bear the consequences. Farmlands have been destroyed, ecosystems lost, and the economy of Egbetua has suffered greatly.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2007 requires miners to restore excavated land up to 80%, but this has not been adhered to in Egbetua. Large pits and damaged lands dominate the area, creating long-term environmental hazards.
Community leaders have repeatedly appealed to the Edo State government for intervention. In separate letters to Governor Monday Okpebholo, they called for urgent action to end illegal mining and restore peace and security to the area. While the previous administration issued a seven-day ultimatum to the miners in May 2024, enforcement remains inconsistent, leading to a resurgence of mining activities.
The people of Egbetua urge the state government to send security operatives to halt illegal mining and address the environmental and socio-economic crises it has caused. As Chief Momoh stated, “We believe the governor’s intervention will restore peace and allow our people to regain their livelihoods.”
Illegal mining continues to undermine the welfare of Egbetua residents, and without decisive action, the community’s challenges may worsen.
