A Non-Governmental Organisation, Eco Defenders Network has warned Osun residents of inherent dangers pose by harmful mining activities in the state.
Speaking at a 1-day sensitisation programme the NGO organised for residents drawn from across Ijesaland at Ilesa on consequences of harmful mining activities in the area, the Coordinator, Shehu Akowe called on governments at all levels to urgently caution the miners and direct them on global best practices in mining activities.
Akowe who lamented the environmental pollution and degradation caused by the miners also charged residents not to arbitrarily release their lands to miners without going into proper agreement that would prevent hazards involved in illegal mining.
He noted that activities of the miners have contaminated the Osun River which has direct link to other rivers in the country, adding that the chemical used in extracting minerals makes the water unsafe for usage.
“Cyanide toxicity affects human health and the environmental impact cannot be over-emphasised. Spills from hazardous chemicals have resulted in major fish kills, contaminated drinking water supplies and harm to agricultural lands.
“It is crucial to mention that both our underground and surface waters are unsafe in an environment where highly hazardous chemicals like cyanide are used in gold extraction. The polluted rivers including the Osun River are unsafe.
“It is our belief in ECODEN that this meeting will equip participants with rightful and helpful knowledge regarding adverse effects of negative gold extraction in short and long-term exposures. And that the knowledge gained will assist communities to review the environmental situation in our communities and identify areas that require action to preserve and safeguard our territory.
“I want to appeal to the governments to caution those destroying people’s lands for their selfish gains. We are not saying they shouldn’t mine but when mineral resources are valued at the expense of people’s lives and their livelihoods that should not be left unquestioned.” Akowe posited.
