Residents and traditional leaders of Itasa, a peaceful town in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State, have raised alarm over what they call illegal mining operations by Architype Industries (Nig.) Limited.
According to the people of the community, the company did not conduct a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and also failed to sign a valid Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the locals before beginning its activities.
The result, they say, has been devastating — farmlands destroyed, rising insecurity, and threats to the peaceful existence of the people.
Despite these accusations, Architype Industries’ site manager, Abiodun Ogunbiyide, insists that the company is operating legally. “We have a valid mining license, community consent, and land title,” he maintained.
During a recent visit to the mining site, several voices from the community expressed deep concern over the continued operation of the company.
Professor Bayo Aborisade, a well-known indigene, accused the mining firm of empowering certain individuals who now use their influence to harass the locals.
“They’ve created dangerous settlements and are stripping our land of its minerals while we suffer. We demand their exit,” he stated.
Supporting his view, Alhaji Banji Isiaka Odedele, chairman of the Itasa Community Development Association, youth leader Mr. Jelili Ogunlade, and another resident, Julius Farounbi, complained that the activities of the miners have made it unsafe to farm.
A lawyer and community member, Femi Aborisade, confirmed that the firm has not met the legal obligations required for mining. “They are carrying out illegal operations by ignoring critical conditions like the EIA and CDA,” he said.
From the local government angle, Naajeem Busari, a legislator from Iwajowa, joined the call for urgent government intervention.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Itasa, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran, expressed a balanced stance: “We want peace. If the company can fulfill its responsibilities to the community, it can stay. If not, it should leave our land.”
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Mr. Olufola Awoyemi of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), after visiting the area, described the situation as both an environmental and a security concern.
“People are living in fear. They can’t farm, and their safety is not guaranteed. We’re taking this matter to a higher level so the world can hear the people of Itasa,” he added.
What do you think about the actions of the mining company and the community’s cry for help? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to follow NIGPOST for more real-time updates from communities across Nigeria.
Leave a Reply