Don’t turn our community into battlefield, Ondo monarch tell illegal miners

The traditional ruler of Imoru in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Charles Basorun, yesterday, decried the activities of illegal miners in his community, urging the Federal Government to intervene before the community and other towns around are turned into battlefields.

The monarch said that the state was endowed with mineral resources, including crude oil, bitumen, and gold.

The traditional ruler, however, said illegal mining activities in the state have continued to increase, and communities with mineral deposits face daily challenges.

Recall that the monarch had earlier written to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, urging it to investigate a company licensed to operate in his community.

According to him, the license presented by the company allegedly granted on November 15, 2024, and set to expire on November 14, 2027, should be investigated.

Oba Basorun, in a statement, said they have investigated the company and their findings were forwarded “to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, requesting a proper investigation into the sub-licensee.”

He alleged that the company has “been aided by a security agency to carry out illegal mining in the community.”

He also alleged that the security agency has “deployed its personnel to monitor the company’s operations.” He warned that deploying security personnel to the site could lead to confrontations, potentially resulting in casualties.