By Ayodele Oni
Pan Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, has frowned at a situation whereby mining business, which is suppose to boost the economy of the country is destroying lives and properties of innocent Nigerians.
Reacting to the explosion in Ibadan, Oyo state, the group called on the Federal Government to assist victims and families of casualties of the fatal explosion.
The organization also called for arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the blast that destroyed many structures in the city.
Afenifere also advised the Federal Government to ensure the mining sector is controlled appropriately and in line with the constitutional provision, saying that many people were deformed by the blast which has been linked to activities of illegally miners.
In a statement by the National Organizing secretary of the organisation, Kole Omololu, and made in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Wednesday, Afenifere urged government at all levels to take appropriate action to prevent recurrence of the incident.
The group added that “News of the explosion that rocked the ancient city of ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Tuesday came to us with shock and sadness. Lives and limbs were lost, properties were destroyed and the day-to-day activities of the people were disrupted.
“The number of injured persons, initially put at 77, has continued to climb while two lives were declared lost so far.
“Our heart goes out also to the families of the injured and to those who have lost property, loved ones, and their means of livelihood.
“As we pray for the sweet repose of the soul of the dead, we also beseech our creator to heal the wounded and restore them to good health in no time. Nigeria and Nigerians have suffered enough misery in the hands of illegal miners.
“Mining activities should be organized under law and the proceeds therefrom should enrich the country and Nigerians in general rather than end up in private pockets.
“Illegal mining activities have reportedly been responsible for much of the insecurity in some parts of the country. We must be careful to see to it that we do not allow such to be exported into our own space.
“We therefore call on our government to expose and bring all illegal miners to book. Governor Makinde has assured that those responsible for this disaster will be brought to book.
“We support every step he takes to ensure that this is done. for only then will justice be served, both to the victims and the culprits.
“And only then can we also prevent a recurrence of the horrendous event that has led to losses valued at billions of naira.
“It is reassuring that governor Makinde is doing his utmost best to assist the victims, we however call for federal government assistance because of the magnitude of the disaster. The burden must not be left to Oyo state government alone to carry.
