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From Idu Jude Abuja
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has said that the agency is currently carrying out an environmental impact assessment in Osun State, to determine the cause of the polluted Osun River, which serves as a religious ground and other domestic purposes.
The Director General/CEO, NESREA, Prof. Aliyu Jauro, who revealed this to news men yesterday at a press briefing, said the agency moved in after several complaints on the resurgence of the activities of artisanal miners in the area, raising fears of degradation of the environment, destruction of farmlands and contamination of water sources, especially the Osun river.
He stated that such mining activities were not new in the area because Osun State sits on a schist belt that is richly endowed with mineral resources like gold, tourmaline, tantalite, topaz and other gemstones, which attract the artisanal miners.
“As you all know, the Osun River is situated in Osun State and is a very important river in the Southwestern part of the country.
“Apart from the fact that it is a key source of water for humans, plants and animals within the area, this river is of interest internationally, because it passes through the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Indeed, the Osun River is reputed for its cultural, religious and economic significance.”
The DG, further stressed that back in 2012, NESREA carried out sensitisation workshops for artisanal miners drawn from different parts of the state, which was held in Ilesha, Osun State.
He also said there was high activity of artisanal miners who scavenge surface minerals at abandoned mine pits and wash them in nearby rivers, most of which flow into the Osun river.
To that effect, he noted that the river has become more turbid with reddish colour from the disturbances of mining and washing into the river. He said the situation is worrisome since the cultural practices at the Osun Grove require contact with the water in the form of drinking and bathing as people use the water daily in their homes.
“A full-fledged investigation has been launched and officers from the headquarters and the South West Zonal Office have been in Osun State to collect water and soil samples, which were taken for laboratory analysis to determine the level of pollution.
“At the conclusion of the investigation, the provisions of the National Environmental (Mining and Processing of coal, ores and industrial minerals) Regulations, 2009 and other environmental instruments will be invoked against those involved in unsustainable mining practices in the state.
Meanwhile, the agency said it would prosecute perpetrators who may have their facilities sealed for environmental violation.
Prof. Jauro said NESREA was on a mission to protect the environment in line with its mandate, and no environmental offender will be spared.
