Residents of Imoru, Lege, and Obulepa communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State have expressed concerns over an alleged violent invasion by security personnel, claiming the action threatens peace and security in the area.
According to the residents, heavily armed operatives—acting on the instructions of a company allegedly engaged in illegal mining—stormed the communities in truckloads, firing sporadically and disrupting operations of a legally recognized mining company.
Dispute Over Mining Licences
Legal representative Sunday Akinyemi condemned the attacks, stressing that the affected company possesses legitimate licences from both federal and state authorities and operates with the consent of traditional landowners and the paramount ruler.
Akinyemi accused another company—allegedly operating illegally—of encroaching on the mining site without the landowners’ consent. He questioned the legitimacy of the company’s mining licence, arguing that its activities violate Nigeria’s Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 (as amended in 2023) and the Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011.
“These laws clearly state that mining operations require not only official government licences but also explicit approval from host communities,” Akinyemi noted.
Calls for Government Intervention
Akinyemi urged the Federal Government, the Ministry of Solid Minerals, and the Ondo State Government to:
- Stop the reported security invasions and sporadic shootings.
- Protect the rights of law-abiding residents and licensed operators.
He also alleged that the illegal mining company has a history of instigating unrest in host communities while leveraging powerful connections for protection.
While Imoru residents remain peaceful and law-abiding, Akinyemi warned that continued intimidation could escalate tensions in the area.
“The people of Imoru will not tolerate further intimidation. He who lives in a glass house should not throw stones,” he cautioned.
Residents are now calling for swift government intervention to restore peace and ensure lawful mining activities in the region.
