An advocacy group, Ibile Justice Forum, has raised serious concerns over ongoing illegal mining activities in Iloro I, Iloro II, and Ibiri villages within the Ado-Odo community of Ogun State.
The group urged both state and federal authorities to intervene and reclaim farmlands for the benefit of the local residents.
In a statement released by Messrs Ifeoluwa Amoo and Ganiu Owolabi, the forum condemned what it described as the reckless attempts of a mining company (name withheld) to operate in areas designated for agricultural development, disrupting the livelihoods of the agrarian community.
The statement read in part:
“We are compelled to speak out against the deliberate actions of this company, whose operations have left our community economically debilitated, environmentally compromised, and exposed to significant risks. Our collective patrimony is being exploited arbitrarily, causing destruction and undermining the well-being of our people.”
The forum also expressed concern over the alleged complicity of traditional institutions, which are expected to safeguard community interests but, according to the group, have instead enabled the company’s activities for personal gain.
“Despite a directive from the Ministry of Agriculture, dated January 28, 2025, instructing the company to halt all mining operations and the withdrawal of its initial approval on December 5, 2024, the company continues its activities on site. This defiance of official orders is both baffling and alarming,” the statement added.
The Ibile Justice Forum called on government authorities to take immediate action to protect the community’s farmlands, ensure environmental safety, and safeguard the livelihoods of local residents.