The federal government has closed a mining site in Temiloluwa community, Oke-Opa, Ile-Ife, Osun State, due to suspected trespassing, encroachment, and illicit mining operations.
Saturday PUNCH reports that officials shut down the facility after a local resident, Adeniyi Adeleke, protested the miners’ alleged unauthorised activity on his property. Adeleke states that on Wednesday, October 16, the miners occupied his land and began mining without his permission. He asserts that he never authorised the use of his land for mining and calls on the government to intervene.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals dispatched an inspection team to the site on Friday, October 18, after a video went viral on social media. In a letter dated October 21, 2024, marked MID/OS/EL/104/30, the ministry stated that the mining companies lacked authorization and the necessary documentation for their operations.
“May I please refer to the inspection conducted by a team of inspectors led by the Zonal Mines Officer, South-West Zone on Friday, 18th October 2024 in response to a viral video clip by Evangelist Adeleke Adeniyi alleging activities of illegal mining operation and trespass/encroachment into private property, and inform you that your companies have been engaging in mining activities at Temiloluwa community, Aba Iya Gani, Oke-Opa, Ife Central LGA, Ile-Ife, Osun State, without any documentation/authorisation from this office, which is in contravention of Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and Regulation 2011.
“In light of the above, you are hereby ordered to immediately stop all forms of exploration, mining, and processing until the conclusion of further investigation/discussion and subsequent further directive from the ministry.”
Adeleke told journalists in the state that in addition to closing the mining location, the government had also sealed the equipment that the miners were using on his property.
“When I discovered that the miners had started mining on my land, I made a video to seek help last week Wednesday. I am happy that the Federal Government has intervened and stopped mining activities in the area.
“The miners have also covered the portion of the land they dug. They were also directed to do other necessary things which they have shown commitment to. I want to appreciate the government for this,” He remarked,
The mining businesses whose names were on the letter our correspondent saw on Thursday began operations in August this year in the area.
