Five Arrested for Illegal Sand Mining in Oyo State

Five suspects were arrested during a joint enforcement operation at the Akufo Farm Settlement in Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State, for alleged illegal excavation of laterite and gravel. The operation was conducted by the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, and security operatives, as stated by Commissioner for Information Prince Dotun Oyelade.

The enforcement team intercepted a trailer loaded with laterite and gravel, leading to the arrest of the suspects. Inspections revealed multiple illegal excavation sites, including damage to a cassava plantation with mature crops destroyed.

An excavator believed to be used in the illegal activities was also impounded, though its operator was not found. A local farmer claimed that up to 50 trailer-loads of materials were being removed daily, raising concerns about the impact on agricultural development.

The suspects are currently detained at the Amotekun Corps Divisional Headquarters in Ido, awaiting further investigation and court arraignment.