Illegal Mining: Makinde shuts facility, arrests 4 operators

By Bushrah Adeshina, Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, Engr.Seyi Makinde was on an impromptu inspection of a mining factory at Idi Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan when he closed down a factory said to be run by suspected illegal miners.

According to the governor, the facility, initially intended for recycling batteries and tires, was now being used for processing and packaging lithium.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olarewaju in a statement revealed that four individuals operating at the site were arrested for operating without the required license from the state government.

Makinde disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the involvement of Chinese nationals in running the facility.

He added that despite the issuance of an operational license by the Federal Government to the miners in accordance with constitutional provisions, there are concerns about security threats emerging when states are not involved in the licensing process.

Governor Makinde cited violations of Executive Order 001 of 2024 on the safe handling of harmful substances by the factory and its operators.

He stressed that the arrested individuals would face prosecution as per the law.

Also, the governor announced the state’s intention to acquire the illegal factory through legal proceedings in a bid to thoroughly investigate the situation.

He said: “You can see what is going on here; it is still the same problem- the illegal mining activities.”

“Sadly, the folks are even getting bolder. This place, according to records available to us, was meant to be a yard for recycled tyres and batteries.”

“But coming in here, you can see there is no single battery or tyre here. They are crushing lithium here and they had support from all over.”

“The preliminary investigation indicated that some Chinese are the ones leading this. They also have a lawyer from Katsina.”

“The state government will take over the facility, via a court process, as this is a clear violation of the Executive Order that I signed and it is a problem that we have to address.”

“Some four persons have been arrested and they are with the security agencies.”

“The Chinese people have been taken to Immigration and, once we are able to find something to prosecute them, then, we will prosecute them.”

“We need to get to the bottom of this but, in the main time, this facility will be taken over by the government of Oyo State.”

He added that, though Oyo State remained open to investors and will always do everything to make businesses thrive, those business must obey local laws and regulations.

“I think it is the same thing about the constitutional provision where they issue licences to miners in Abuja without the state governments having an input. And when you have the fallout, the state will still have to bear the brunt.”

“We will still try to foster cooperation among stakeholders, because we want businesses to thrive in Oyo State but local laws and regulations must be obeyed.”

“We are not asking you not to come to Oyo State but when you come here, you should be able to obey the local laws. That is where we are,” the governor said.