Urban Alert Raises Alarm Over Illegal Gold Mining Expansion Along Osun River

Urban Alert, a civic tech organization, has expressed alarm over the increasing encroachment of illegal gold mining activities along the Osun River corridor in Osogbo, Osun State. The group warns that these activities are now moving closer to residential areas, including the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Urban Alert has called on the Osun State government and relevant federal agencies to take urgent action to address the brazen threats posed by illegal mining operations. The organization highlights the risks of land degradation, destruction of farmland, and potential water contamination due to the proximity of mining sites to the Osun River.

They urge for increased security interventions, hotspot identification, and the prosecution of those involved in illegal mining activities. Urban Alert also emphasizes the need for transparency in the prosecution process and ongoing monitoring of the Osun River corridor to protect residents and prevent further expansion of illegal mining operations.