A former member of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Yusuf, has said the recent explosion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, over an opportunity to the government to address the security threats posed by illegal mining activities across the country.
Yusuf, in a statement, on Tuesday, said it is imperative for the Office of the National Security Adviser ( ONSA), to led an inter-agency involving other security agencies to decisively end illegal mining across the country.
The former lawmaker, while commending the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, for demonstrating excellent leadership during the incident, said it is imperative for the security agencies to take urgent steps to curb the threat posed to security and economy of by illegal mining activities by foreigners and their Nigerian collaborators.
According to him, “even from afar, many Nigerians feel the pains of all those families that lost their loved ones and properties and even though we feel very saddened; the very prompt responses from Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyo state House of Assembly, the state’s Emergency Management Agency gladdens many hearts and we find such to be worthy of commendation.
“However, in view of the very potent security threat that illegal miners pose towards security of lives and properties in some northern states and the south, their tendency for involvement in illegal possession of firearms, ammunitions, explosives, tax evasion and so on.
“These focused and determined foreign interests must be effectively stopped through a resolute inter-agency cooperation by our security agencies.”
Yusuf added that ” while we respect ECOWAS protocols on free movement and trade, a lot needs to be done to stop foreigners’ and unscrupulous Nigerian citizens’ illegal bleeding of Nigeria’s economy as they work with black legs in official circles for continued stay in Nigeria, illegal exportation of huge quantities of solid minerals, non-payment of taxes and duties, as well as alleged sponsorship of armed bandit groups. “ (Sun)