Five arrested in Oyo for illegal sand mining at farm settlement
Five people have been arrested for allegedly excavating laterite and gravel without permission at the Akufo Farm Settlement in Oyo State. The arrests were made during a joint operation by the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, and security operatives. Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information, stated that the illegal activities have caused significant damage to agricultural land, including a cassava plantation. The suspects are being held for further investigation and possible court action.
What we know
- Five suspects were arrested and a trailer loaded with laterite and gravel was impounded at the scene.
- The operation was led by the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, and security operatives.
- Multiple illegal excavation sites were found, some within existing plantations, causing damage to crops and farmland.
- An excavator believed to have been used for the excavation was also impounded, but its operator was not found.
- Authorities described the activities as unlawful and a threat to agricultural development, and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting government assets.
