Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Osogbo, Osun State — Tension is mounting in Aberensise Akinlade Estate, a residential community located about 6.6 kilometres from the Ọ̀sun River along the Iléṣà Garage axis of Osogbo, as residents raise serious concerns over the growing presence and activities of suspected illegal gold miners who have reportedly taken over large portions of the area.
Community members say the mining activities, which they describe as unregulated and clandestine, have expanded rapidly in recent months, transforming previously calm residential and agricultural zones into excavation sites. Residents allege that deep pits, heavy earth-moving activities and constant movement of unidentified operators now dominate sections of the estate, creating fear and uncertainty among families living in the area.
According to residents, the environmental consequences are already visible. Farmlands that once supported subsistence agriculture have reportedly been degraded or rendered unusable, while the soil structure in parts of the estate has been weakened by continuous digging. Some homeowners fear that buildings could be at risk as underground excavation continues unchecked near residential structures.
Of particular concern is the estate’s proximity to the Ọ̀sun River, a major water source that holds both ecological and cultural significance in Osun State. Residents warn that mining activities so close to the river raise the risk of water contamination, especially from sediment runoff and potential chemical use associated with gold extraction. They fear that pollution of groundwater and surface water could pose long-term health risks not only to the estate but also to downstream communities that depend on the river.
“We are worried about our water, our land and our safety,” a resident told reporters. “These miners operate day and night, and no one seems to know who authorised them. If this continues, the damage will be beyond repair.”
Beyond environmental degradation, residents say the situation has created broader public safety and health concerns. Open pits allegedly left unsecured pose dangers to children and pedestrians, while the presence of unfamiliar groups has heightened anxiety about security within the estate. Some residents also worry about the potential spread of diseases linked to stagnant water collecting in abandoned mining pits.
The growing unease has prompted calls for urgent government intervention. Community members and local advocates are urging the Osun State Government, under Governor Ademola Adeleke, as well as the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Solid Minerals, and relevant environmental protection agencies to immediately investigate the situation.
They are calling for a comprehensive assessment of the mining activities to determine their legality, environmental impact and potential links to organised illegal mining networks. Residents insist that decisive action is needed to halt the operations, rehabilitate damaged land and protect the community from further harm.
Illegal mining, often referred to as “illegal artisanal mining,” has been a persistent challenge in parts of Nigeria, particularly in mineral-rich states. Environmental experts warn that when such activities are not properly regulated, they can lead to severe land degradation, deforestation, water pollution and long-term public health crises. In several parts of the country, illegal mining has also been linked to violent conflicts, exploitation and loss of government revenue.
For Aberensise Akinlade Estate, residents fear they may be witnessing the early stages of such a crisis if swift action is not taken. Community leaders say they have begun documenting the activities and their effects, hoping that formal complaints and public attention will compel authorities to respond.
As a leading digital media platform in Osun State, local observers stress that the situation demands urgent attention, not only to protect the affected residents but also to safeguard shared natural resources for future generations. They argue that allowing illegal mining to persist unchecked undermines environmental laws, community rights and sustainable development goals.
For now, residents of Aberensise Akinlade Estate say they remain on edge, watching as mining activities continue near their homes. Many hope that government agencies will move quickly to investigate, engage with the community and enforce the law before the environmental and social costs become irreversible.
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