Residents of Ado-Odo in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area have raised the alarm over what they described as escalating environmental and safety threats linked to ongoing clay mining activities within and around residential neighbourhoods.
The residents—comprising indigenes, landlords and allottees of the Ogun State Housing Estate—under the umbrella of the Ado-Odo Progressive Union, accused a mining company of excavating clay, locally known as black soil, dangerously close to homes, farmlands and access roads.
Speaking with NGGOSSIPS Metro during a visit to the community on Thursday, the residents said the mining activities had left deep, water-filled pits, degraded large expanses of land and exposed residents to serious risks.
A community member, Akeem Alagbe, said residents were shocked by the scale of the excavation and its proximity to residential buildings, adding that earlier protests had forced government officials to intervene.
Another resident, Tajudeen Akinwande, said, “This burrow pit is very close to the residential area. When we noticed it, we protested, and that led to a meeting with the state government. They directed the company to meet with stakeholders because what is happening is a gross violation of the mining laws.”
He further alleged that the Ogun State Ministry of Environment had earlier sealed one of the sites and issued an abatement notice.
“The ministry sealed the site and issued an abatement notice. I am surprised that while the notice is still subsisting, the company went ahead to dump laterite there, apparently to cover up evidence. One section was dug in 2024, and another this January. The pit is so deep it can swallow a storey building. We cannot continue to live like this,” he said.
Another resident, Olusegun Aina, expressed concern over the environmental, health and security implications of the abandoned pits.
“These pits collect water during the rainy season and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Beyond health risks, they are death traps,” he said.
Aina also alleged that some operators posed security threats to residents. “In other parts of the community where mining is ongoing, people cannot go near the sites because of possible attacks. Some of the operators take drugs and can be violent. Anyone who confronts them does so at great risk,” he added.
During the visit, NGGOSSIPS Metro observed several large burrow pits at different locations in the community, including areas close to residential buildings. Many of the pits were filled with water, posing dangers to unsuspecting residents.
Some of the affected locations were found to have been deserted by residents who previously lived there before the commencement of the mining activities.
Members of the Ado-Odo Progressive Union said the community had suffered years of environmental degradation caused by both licensed and unlicensed miners who allegedly failed to reclaim mined lands.
The group called for the immediate suspension of all excavation activities within the Ogun State Housing Estate and adjoining communities pending a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.
A union member, Taiwo Talabi, faulted the siting of mining operations near residential and agricultural areas.
“While we support responsible mining, such activities should not be located within residential areas or farmlands, which are the mainstay of our people’s economy. Beyond environmental damage, the security and ecosystem implications are severe,” he said.
Another member, Okanlawon Jagundina, said some of the lands being mined were originally designated for housing by the Ogun State Housing Corporation.
“Ado-Odo is known as the food basket of the state. Parts of this land were released for housing purposes. We appeal to the state government to save our soil and preserve our ecosystem by critically examining this issue with a holistic and unbiased approach,” he said.
The residents also demanded a review of the licensing and compliance status of mining operators, remediation of degraded lands, compensation for affected residents and stricter enforcement of environmental and town-planning laws.
When contacted on Sunday, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the ministry would investigate the allegations.
“Please send me the details of the information. I will investigate it and ensure it is properly addressed,” he said.
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