The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, on Monday reiterated the federal government’s commitment to eliminating illegal mining within the country’s mining sector. While offering condolences to the Oyo State government regarding the recent explosion in Bodija estate, Alake emphasized the correlation between influential individuals in Nigeria and the banditry associated with illegal mining.
He stated that a considerable amount of banditry, terrorism, and insecurity linked to the mining sector were being sponsored by powerful individuals involved in illegal mining within society. This assertion underscores the government’s recognition of the complex relationship between illicit mining activities and broader security challenges in the country.
“There are lots of connivance among the strata of the society —- both high, medium, and low classes of the society —- in the nation’s mining sector.”
“But the federal government is working together with the state and local governments, as well as the host communities, who have efficient knowledge of the local terrain to address the issue.”
“Illegal mining is not exclusive to the high class alone but cuts across the strata of our society. So, we are employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies and tactics to address the menace,” Alake said.
He disclosed that the federal government would await the final report of the forensic investigations into the causes, effects and possible remedy to the Bodija estate explosion.
Alake, however, said it was going to be after this that the government would make critical decisions on the unfortunate incident.