NSCDC arrest suspected 15 Illegal gold miners In Edo community 

From Osazua IMAFIDON, BENIN

The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), have arrested 15 suspected illegal gold miners in Egbetua Community, Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in the state.

The Edo State Commandant of the NCDSC, Gbenga Agun, who stated this on Thursday, said the arrest was made by operatives of Auchi Area Command of the NSCDC, at Ode forest in Egbetua following a tip-off 

He noted that acting on credible information, the officers of the NSCDC stormed the Ode forest and arrested 15 suspects.

Confirming the report, Edo State Commandant of the NCDSC, Gbenga Agun, said that it is the statutory responsibility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect the people and solid minerals across the country.

He said, "I can confirm to you that 15 suspect were arrested on Monday for illegal gold mining in Egbetua Community, Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in the state

"It is our statutory responsibility to arrest and prosecute miners of any solid minerals that are illegal across the country", Agun said 

He warned other illegal miners in the state to desist from such act, adding that the state command is poised to flushing out illegal miners and other criminal elements in the state.

Recall that the illegal gold mining site was recently discovered in Egbetua community in Edo State as hundreds of illegal miners were seen carrying out mining activities.

It was revealed that the activities of the illegal gold miners which had been going on in Egbetua for over 25 years, has led to a growing socioeconomic and security challenges in the community.

These activities, the people claimed, had led to loss of ecosystem and increased insecurity and poverty level, especially among peasant farmers in Egbetua who depend solely on environmental resources for a living.