The Osun State Government on Sunday announced the arrest of 27 illegal miners in the state.

Those apprehended include 17 Chinese nationals and 10 locals, including a local traditional ruler (Baale).

We will prosecute them and must pay compensation – Mr Abdullahi Binuyo.

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A Joint task force “Amotekun” just lately inaugurated by the Osun State Government, has arrested 27 individuals for unlawful mining within the state.

The 27 individuals arrested in a coordinated sting operation round Ilesa and Ife axis of the state include 17 Chinese, 9 locals in addition to the traditional chief (Bale) of a neighborhood within the state.

Mr Abdullahi Binuyo, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Gov. Gboyega Oyetola confirmed the arrest in Osogbo on Sunday May 3. He mentioned the suspects can be prosecuted and made to pay damages.

He said, “Aside the economic leakages, the unlawful miners have additionally polluted the Osun River with toxic metals, thereby making it unsafe for human consumption and irrigation.

“We intend to prosecute them and in addition ensure they pay compensation.

“As a part of government’s economic reforms, solid mineral is a major sector we’re exploring. For these reforms to work, it has turn out to be crucial to cease unlawful mining and step up enforcement actions. The result is what we’re witnessing at this time.

“These individuals neither have genuine mining licences nor registered with the federal government.

“What they declare to have is Exploration Licences; that doesn’t allow them to mine the way in which they’re doing.

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“So, we’ll prosecute them and make them pay damages.

“Other than flouting government’s order to stay at home in order to contain the spread of COVID-19. They’ve created environmental catastrophe for us by poisoning our river which is a serious public health concern.”