The Ondo State Government has arrested five suspected illegal sand miners at Ilu-Agbo in the Ese-Local Government Area of the state.

Senior Special Assistant on Mining to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Folawe Sipasi-Aluko, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Okitipupa.

The suspected illegal miners are David Ayara, David Monday, Bonima Boluwatife, Stanley Odoh and Wisdom Nomiye.

Mrs Sipasi-Aluko led the operation in collaboration with the Federal Mines Task Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Other officials from the State Ministry of Mineral and Energy, State Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Afforestation were involved in the operation.

Also involved in the operation were the State Security Services and the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun) led by one Joseph Ebisanmi, among others.

Mrs Sipasi-Aluko said several warnings issued by the government in the past, fell on the deaf ears of the miners in the area, explaining that Mr Aiyedatiwa had zero tolerance for illegal mining activities.

She said that companies involved in sand mining must legalise their operations by obtaining an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate or an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

She added that the effects of illegal mining, such as flooding, were deadly, and emphasised that the government would not watch while citizens suffer as the rainy season intensifies.

She noted, “It is high time we put an end to illegal mining in Ondo State, particularly sand mining at Ilu-Agbo along River Oluwa in Ese-Odo. The effects on the community are extremely dangerous and the state government has zero tolerance for illegal mining. All companies operating illegally must obtain their EIA certificate or Environmental Management Plan. We aim to eradicate flooding from this community as Mr Governor is committed to ensuring the safety of our people.’’

The Director of Environmental Impact Assessment, Isaac Ojo, stated that miners would be given instructions during the EIA process to ensure that their activities do not harm the community.

“They will be guided on where to place their machines, loading points and how to channel waste properly. Without an EIA certificate, there is a significant risk of future harm,” he said.

A community leader in Igbobini, Taiwo Abisagbo, also commended the government over the operation and the bold step to moderate activities of illegal miners on waterways across the state.

He added that illegal sand mining in the area had caused significant damage to the community, particularly in agriculture, housing and health.

He, however, reiterated the readiness of the leadership of the community to continue to collaborate with the office of the senior special assistant to the governor on mining to ensure success.

(NAN)