Residents of Itasa community in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State have sounded the alarm over the rampant illegal and destructive mining activities by a particular firm (name withheld) and other miners operating in the area. The community has expressed deep concerns about the potential security risks posed by the unregulated mining, warning that it could lead to issues such as terrorism and banditry if left unchecked.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Professor Bayo Aborisade accused the firm, Architype Industries Nigeria Limited, of exploiting their land for nearly two decades without fulfilling its legal and social responsibilities. He pointed out that the company has violated key provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, particularly the requirement to sign a Community Development Agreement (CDA) with host communities before commencing operations.
Aborisade said, “We prepared the CDA and requested the Managing Director of Architype Industries Nigeria Limited, Engr. Ajibade, to document his objections so that we can have a negotiated agreement. He refused. Instead, the Mines Environmental Compliance (MEC) Officer continues to call us to negotiate at his whim. And we ask: negotiate what?”
The community also accused some government officials of compromising their positions and enabling the illegal mining activities, which have contributed to the rise of banditry, kidnapping, and environmental destruction in the area.
“Regrettably, communities are left exposed to lawless investors who traverse the land with police escorts, throw communities into agony, and leave posterity a bleak future of penury and diseases,” Aborisade lamented.
The Itasa community further claimed that Architype Industries lacks the necessary consent instrument from the community, a critical requirement for any mining operation. They also highlighted that the company had failed to conduct an approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before beginning its mining activities, as mandated by law.
“This blatant disregard for due process has left our environment vulnerable to severe degradation,” Aborisade added.
Despite repeated requests, the community stated that Architype Industries has not signed the CDA, which was delivered to the company on December 4, 2024. The community also alleged that the company had not provided a geographical survey of their operations, raising serious concerns about the sustainability and safety of their mining activities.
For twenty years, the community claims, the company has operated with impunity, facilitated by compromised officials from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, particularly from its Mines Environment Compliance Department at the Southwest Zonal Office in Ibadan.
The Itasa community is now calling on the federal and state governments, civil society organizations, and the international community to take immediate action. They have demanded that all mining activities by Architype Industries Nigeria Limited and other companies be halted until all legal requirements, including the signing of the Community Development Agreement, are fulfilled. Additionally, they are calling for an investigation into the involvement of government officials in enabling these alleged illegal activities, demanding accountability and support to restore the community’s environment and livelihoods.
Dr. Doyin Odebowale, former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Special Duties to the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), expressed concern about the impunity in the illegal mining sector. He said, “I have visited Itasa in Iwajowa Local Government, and I can tell you that now is the right time to flush them out for the safety of the community.”
Alhaji Banji Odedele, Chairman of Itasa Community Development Association, commended stakeholders for their unwavering support in tackling illegal mining and protecting the environment.
Also present at the event were renowned human rights lawyer, Barr. Femi Aborisade, and Chief of Staff at JDPC, Barr. Adenike, who reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring environmental justice and protecting Itasa’s residents from the dangers of illegal mining.
