To prevent a repeat occurrence of the Bodija incident in Ibadan, many have been arrested in Idi-Ayunre, Oyo State following intelligence information on illegal mining activities in the State.
This was made known by Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday stating that the facility being used to mine the products has been taken over by the government pending the investigation.
“In our efforts to prevent a recurrence of the Bodija Incident, we were at Idi-Ayunre, following a tip-off about a facility that was being used to process illegally mined minerals.
I can report that those involved have been arrested and are in custody and we are working to prosecute them. Our government has also taken over the facility pending the investigations and prosecution.
We were able to apprehend the culprits because the government and citizens worked together promptly to bust their operations.”
Mr Makinde revealed that there are efforts to extradite Malians who were indicted in the explosion that rocked Ibadan in January 2024.
“Let me take this opportunity to report that we are still trying to extradite the Malians indicted in the Bodija Incident who are on the run. We are having difficulties because Mali pulled out of ECOWAS. We will continue to deploy diplomatic means to ensure they are brought to book.
Please continue to support our efforts to rid our State of illegal activities. If you see something, say something and the authorities will do something. 615 is the toll-free number to call when you notice any security breaches.”
Three persons of interest were identified in connection with the unfortunate incident in Ibadan which caused the death of 5 persons, and 77 injured while 55 houses were destroyed during the explosion that rocked Aderinola Street, Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija, Ibadan.
