Residents of Imoru, Lege, and Obulepa communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised alarm over an alleged violent invasion by security personnel, which they claim has disrupted peace in the area.
According to eyewitnesses, heavily armed operatives stormed the community in truckloads, firing sporadically. The residents believe the attack was orchestrated by a company allegedly involved in illegal mining, with the aim of intimidating workers of a legally recognized mining firm.
The community’s legal counsel, Sunday Akinyemi, strongly condemned the alleged invasion, insisting that the attacked mining company holds valid licences from both federal and state authorities. He also pointed out that its operations had received the full consent of traditional landowners and the paramount ruler.
Akinyemi accused another allegedly illegal mining company of trespassing on the legally designated mining site without the approval of the rightful landowners. He questioned the legitimacy of the company’s mining licence, arguing that its activities violate Nigeria’s Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 (as amended in 2023), as well as the Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011.
Akinyemi urged the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Solid Minerals, and the Ondo State Government to intervene urgently by halting the security invasions and sporadic shootings, and protecting the rights of law-abiding residents and licensed mining operators.
He further alleged that the illegal mining firm has a history of causing unrest in host communities while leveraging powerful political connections for protection.
Despite their peaceful stance, Akinyemi warned that continued provocations could escalate tensions in the area.
