Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State have arrested 20 persons for allegedly mining gold at Itagunmodi Community in Atakumosa West Local Government Area of the state without government authorization.
The Commandant of the corps in the state, Mr. Aboluwaye Akinwande, while speaking with Daily Trust, confirmed the arrest of the suspects. He said the matter is under investigation.
Akinwande said the 20 miners were arrested on Monday and Tuesday and that they have been detained at the NSCDC office and would be charged to court after investigation.
Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Mineral and Natural Resources, Hon. Tunde Ajilore, lamented that the illegal gold mining was taking place in the community.
He warned that the state government will not allow the situation to continue unchecked.