By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Oyo State government says it is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in tackling illegal mining in the State.
The Director General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Abiodun Oni, gave the assurance in Ibadan when he paid a visit to the Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Michael Adaralewa.
Oni said the NSCDC was a strategic partner in the fight against illegal mining in the state, adding that the visit was geared towards stopping stealing and irregularities in the state mining sector, by illegal miners.
He added that the state government will not allow the illegal act of stealing and irregularities going on in the mining sector by some individuals.
He added that the state government is ready to sanitize the state mining sector through the Mining Act and all relevant Laws.
The DG appreciated the NSCDC Oyo State command for their support during the previous enforcement exercise in the state mining sector.
He further urged the state command to put more efforts in their support, adding that illegal miners are on rampage with the believe that they can not be caught.
In his reply, the Commandant of Oyo State NSCDC command, Commandant Michael Adaralewa appreciated the state government for her support in the provisions of security cars, vans, security gadgets among others.
He urged the state government to dedicate more security equipment such as security cars, security gadgets, guns among others logistics for the fight against the illegal miners.
The Commandant promised the NSCDC, Oyo command’s readiness to partner with the state government in the fight against illegal miners.
