The chairman of the Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Rauf Yemaren, has warned against illegal mining activities in the Falola community, located within the council’s coastal area.
In a statement issued on tuesday by his press secretary, Mr Zosu Solomon, Yemaren advised all individuals, groups, and companies involved in these illegal practices to stop immediately. He said the operations pose a severe danger to the environment and residents of Badagry West.
He said that some of the dangers posed included coastal erosion, water pollution and destruction of aquatic life.
Yemaren said this could also lead to the gradual loss of livelihoods for fishermen, farmers, and traders who depend on the natural ecosystem.
“We have received information about ongoing illegal mining at Falola and other areas across our coastal communities.
“These activities are reckless, criminal, and destructive.
“Let it be known that anyone found culpable will be arrested, prosecuted, and their equipment seized.
“Illegal mining is an assault on our environment and our people, and it will not be tolerated,” the chairman said.
Yemaren assured residents that he would continue to work closely with security agencies, environmental regulators, and the Lagos State Government to clamp down on perpetrators.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity.
The chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the coastal environment, safeguarding livelihoods, and ensuring that only duly approved operators, who meet environmental standards, were allowed to carry out mining within the council area.
