Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has urged local government chairmen in the state to protect residents in their respective areas from mining operation hazards.

Mr Makinde stated this on Friday during a meeting with the chairmen in Ibadan.

He reminded them that security of the people remained one of their responsibilities that they should live up to.

The governor was represented at the meeting by the chairman of the state mineral development company, Abiodun Oni.

He noted that the council chairmen should take responsibility for the challenges and opportunities in the mining sector in their respective areas.

Mr Makinde emphasised the importance of harnessing the state’s mineral resources for the benefit of citizens.

He said that mining operations must not be allowed to have adverse effects on the security of lives and property in the state.

The governor noted that the mining sector was under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government.

He, however, said that states and local governments had a critical role to play in ensuring that operations were conducted securely and with the consent of host communities.

Mr Makinde tasked the local government chairmen in the state to ensure that miners obtain the necessary consent letters and community development agreements before commencing operations.

The governor said that mining operations could sometimes have attendant security risks.

He urged the chairmen to collaborate with the state government to protect the state in this regard.

Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, the chairman, Oluyole Local Government, Akeem Olatunji, acknowledged the security challenges associated with mining operations.

Mr Olatunji pledged that all the chairmen would work with the state government to tighten security and enhance the protection of life and property in their respective areas.

(NAN)