Oyo: Gov Blames Chinese For Illegal Mining, Arrests 4

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has accused some Chinese of promoting illegal mining in the state.

Recall that the state experienced a deadly explosion in January which led to the death of at least five persons residents, and close to 300 properties affected in its wake.

Following the explosion, the state government had promised to deal with the illegal miners in the state.

While paying an unscheduled visit to one of the illegal mining sites at Idi Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government on Sunday, the governor said some Chinese were operating a factory where lithium is being packaged.

According to him, the factory was meant for the recycling of batteries and tyres but was turned to a mining site by the illegal Chinese operators.

Makinde said four persons have now been arrested in relation to the matter.

The governor said: “This place, according to records available to us, was meant to be a yard for recycled tyres and batteries.

“But coming in here, you can see there is no single battery or tyre here. They are crushing lithium here and they had support from all over.

“The preliminary investigation indicated that some Chinese are the ones leading this. They also have a lawyer from Katsina.

“The state government will take over the facility via a court process, as this is a clear violation of the Executive Order that I signed and it is a problem that we have to address.

“Some four persons have been arrested and they are with the security agencies. The Chinese people have been taken to immigration and, once we are able to find something to prosecute them, then, we will prosecute them.”