The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has arrested suspects involved in the processing of illegally mined mineral resources.
Makinde said the arrests of the culprits followed a tip off about a facility which was being used to process illegally mined minerals.
The governor in a statement posted on his verified X account said the state government has taken over the facility pending the investigations and prosecution.
He said: “In our efforts to prevent a recurrence of the Bodija Incident, we were at Idi-Ayunre, following a tip off about a facility which 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 in a timely manner to bust their operations.
“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.”
Makinde urged the people to continue to support the government’s efforts to rid the State of illegal activities.
He said If they see something, they should say something, adding that the authorities would do something.
The governor noted that 615 is the toll-free number to call when they notice any security breaches.