Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has ordered the closure of a factory which is being used for mining activities by some suspected illegal miners in the state.
The governor ordered the closure of the factory on Saturday during his visit to the facility.
Our correspondent gathered that the factory, located at Idi Ayunre in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state, was originally meant for recycling batteries and tyres.
Makinde, during the visit, announced the arrest of four persons suspected to be operating at the site.
The suspects are currently in the custody of security agencies.
The governor said the arrested persons would be prosecuted after investigation has been concluded.
The governor while speaking noted that the factory operated contrary to the approved licence secured from the government for business operations in the state.
Makinde further disclosed that preliminary investigation revealed that the factory was being operated by some Chinese.
“Sadly, the folks are even getting bolder. This place, according to records available to us, was meant to be a yard for recycled tyres and batteries.
“But coming in here, you can see there is no single battery or tyre here. They are crushing lithium here and they had support from all over.
“The preliminary investigation indicated that some Chinese are the ones leading this. They also have a lawyer from Katsina.
“The state government will take over the facility via a court process, as this is a clear violation of the Executive Order that I signed and it is a problem that we have to address.
“Some four persons have been arrested and they are with the security agencies. The Chinese people have been taken to Immigrations and, once we are able to find something to prosecute them, then, we will prosecute them.”
