Ibadan Explosion: Prosecute Illegal Miners, Afenifere Tells FG

Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere yesterday asked Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to ensure that illegal miners who caused an explosion that rocked the ancient city of Ibadan must be exposed and brought to book.

Afenifere, who described the news of the explosion as “shock and sadness”,  noted that only then can the country prevent a recurrence of the horrendous event that has led to losses valued at billions of naira.

Afenifere maintained that the activities of illegal miners which Governor Makinde said were responsible for the explosion, must now be checked, not only in Ibadan or Oyo state but also in all the country.

In a statement issued by the national organising secretary, Afenifere, Otunba Kole Omololu,  in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Afenifere noted that Nigeria and Nigerians have suffered enough misery at the hands of illegal miners.

According to Afenifere, mining activities should be organized under the law and the proceeds therefrom should enrich the country and Nigerians in general rather than end up in private pockets.

Omololu said illegal mining activities have reportedly been responsible for much of the insecurity in some parts of the country.

Afenifere said, “We must be careful to see to it that we do not allow such to be exported into our own space.

“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.  Only then will justice be served, both to the victims and culprits.

“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.’’