The mining site at Temiloluwa community, Oke-Opa, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been closed down by the Federal Government due to allegations of trespass, encroachment, and illegal mining activities. This action came after a resident, Adeniyi Adeleke, raised concerns about miners illegally exploiting his land without permission.
Adeleke shared a video expressing his distress over the unauthorized mining activities that began on his property without his consent. Following the video’s circulation on social media, the Ministry of Solid Minerals dispatched an inspection team to the site to investigate the matter.
The ministry’s subsequent letter, dated 21st October 2024, highlighted that the mining companies lacked the necessary approvals or documentation for their operations in violation of Nigerian mining laws. As a result, the companies were ordered to cease all mining activities until further investigations were conducted.
Adelleke confirmed that the government had not only shut down the mining site but also sealed the mining equipment on his land. He expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting that the miners had complied with the directives given by the authorities.
The mining companies, whose identities were withheld in the official letter, had commenced operations in the area in August of the same year.