Illegal miners defy Edo govt’s order, sustain operation in Egbetua

The activities of illegal gold miners in Egbetua autonomous community in Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in Edo State, seem not to abate, despite the one week ultimatum given by the state government to the miners to vacate the mining site.

Recall that an illegal gold mining site was recently discovered in Egbetua community in Edo State as hundreds of illegal miners were seen carrying out mining activities when Nigerian Tribune visited the site for on-the-spot assessment.

Investigations revealed that the activities of the illegal gold miners which had been going on in Egbetua for over 25 years, has led to a growing socioeconomic and security challenges in the community.

These activities, the people claimed, had led to loss of ecosystem and increased poverty level, especially among peasant farmers in Egbetua who depend solely on environmental resources for a living.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the community recently called on the state government to help halt the activities of illegal miners in the area.

In response to the peoples’ call, the state government on May 5, gave the illegal miners a seven-day ultimatum to vacate the Odo bush, site of the mining

Over two months after the expiration of the marching order by the state government to the miners, it was learnt that some of them reportedly refused to vacate the site, thereby causing concern for the people.

Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune on the development, head of the community, Chief Peter Momoh, expressed worries over the activities of the recalcitrant miners.

He commended the state government for prompt intervention, noting that despite the order from the state government, some miners alleged to be working for one of the indigenes of the community, are hell-bent on remaining at the site

He said: “The illegal miners will not stop until security operatives go there to chase them out of the bush.

“Although, insecurity and kidnapping have reduced in our community, some of the miners are still carrying out mining activities.

“We are calling on the Commissioner of Police in Edo State and the state government to expedite action towards chasing these elements out from our community.”

READ ALSO: Cross River govt recounts EndSars loss, warns against nationwide protest