Photo caption: Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun
Residents of Oke Oko community in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have called on President Bola Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene in the alleged illegal sand mining operations in their area.
The residents specifically accused the Chief Executive Officer of Ojibas Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Tajudeen Abioye, of engaging in unlawful mining activities, causing serious environmental degradation.
But in an interview with The PUNCH, Abioye denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he has been operating legally in the area for over a decade.
“How is it possible for someone to operate in a place for 10 to 15 years without proper documentation? I have the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities,” Abioye told our correspondent in a telephone interview.
However, in a statement signed by its secretary, Pastor Seun Fakile, Oke Oko Community Association alleged that Abioye often boasts of having top security authorities under his control, rendering complaints against him ineffective.
“We have lodged several complaints with the Commissioner of Police and the officer in charge of federal mining enforcement, but all efforts have been futile because he claims to have the authorities in his pocket,” the statement read.
“Every effort to stop his illegal activities has been abortive. We can no longer live in fear in our own community and watch a stranger deprive us of our land.”
The community appealed to human rights activists, the Senate President, Speakers of both the national and state assemblies, and civil society organizations to intervene urgently.
“It has become unbearable. Everyone in Oke Oko is living in fear. We are pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun and well-meaning Nigerians to come to our rescue,” the statement added.
The residents also called on the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police to withdraw military and police personnel allegedly being used by Abioye to perpetrate violence.
“If the situation persists, it could lead to self-help as we may have no option but to defend ourselves. Nigeria is not a banana republic,” the community warned.
When contacted, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, urged community representatives to reach out directly to his office for briefing and further action.
“If such activities are happening in their community, they should contact the CP for necessary action,” Ogunlowo said.
Also reacting, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Captain Idereghi Akari, stated that the Brigade was not aware of the situation.
“The people involved should write a petition to the Brigade. That is the proper channel to bring such issues to our attention,” Akari said.
