The Residents of Oke Oko community in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have cried out for intervention from President Bola Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged illegal sand mining activities in their locality.
The community accused the Chief Executive Officer of Ojibas Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Tajudeen Abioye, of engaging in unlawful mining that has led to severe environmental degradation and heightened insecurity in the area.
A statement signed by the Oke Oko Community Association Secretary, Pastor Seun Fakile, residents alleged that their complaints to the authorities have been ignored because Abioye claims to have strong connections with top security officials.
“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,” Fakile said. “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 residents called on human rights activists, the Senate President, Speakers of both the national and state assemblies, and civil society organizations to join in their appeal for justice and immediate action.
“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.
In response to the allegations, Alhaji Tajudeen Abioye denied any wrongdoing, stating that his mining operations have the necessary government approvals and have been running legally for over a decade. “How is it possible for someone to operate in a place for 10 to 15 years without proper documentation?” he questioned.
The situation has escalated as the community accused Abioye of using military and police personnel to suppress dissent and perpetrate violence. They urged the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police to withdraw such personnel allegedly supporting illegal activities.
“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.
Moreover, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, advised the community to reach out directly to his office to facilitate immediate action. Similarly, Captain Idereghi Akari, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the 35 Artillery Brigade, urged residents to file a formal petition to bring the matter to the Brigade’s attention.
As tension mounts in Oke Oko, the community continues to seek the government’s intervention to restore peace and address the environmental damage caused by the alleged illegal mining activities.
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