Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to deploy superior power in addressing the challenge of illegal mining in Nigeria.
Speaking on Arise Television on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior stressed the need for stronger enforcement measures, noting that highly influential individuals are involved in illegal mining.
According to Oshiomhole:
“I would like to see government deploying the same amount of force in protecting our solid minerals and dealing with those who are involved in illegal mining just like illegal bunkering, with the same force of JTF to deal with anyone involved, because the people involved are powerful, only superior power can neutralise them.”
Oshiomhole recently claimed that some retired generals were involved in illegal mining but later clarified that his statement was misinterpreted. He emphasised that he was referring to some retired generals, not all, as was allegedly misconstrued.
He also raised concerns about the unchecked activities of both foreign and local actors in illegal mining.
Oshiomhole added:
“I think sometimes the media takes statements out of context.
“It is absolutely impossible for anyone, particularly foreigners far away outside the African continent, coming to Nigeria, locating a site, not being geologists, and they go straight to where they can find solid minerals and they start mining it and they take it away.”
