A civil society organisation, Urban Alert, has raised an alert over the renewed activities of suspected illegal gold miners along the Osun River corridor and the growing reports that mining operations are now trespassing into residential communities, and overwhelming the communities within Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Raising the alarm in a statement by its Communications Associate, Titilade Alayande, Urban Alert disclosed that illegal mining activities have expanded beyond remote riverbanks and are now encroaching directly into neighbourhoods within Osogbo and surrounding communities, posing threats to lives, property and the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.

According to the group, affected areas include Aberensise Community in Akinlade Estate, Ilesa Garage area of Osogbo; Ifesowapo Community in Ajigun area along Owo–Eba Ilesa Road; and Olojaibala Community in Atakumosa West Local Government Area.

Urban Alert warned that large portions of these communities have reportedly been taken over by illegal miners, with operations threatening homes, farmlands and residents’ safety. The organisation noted that the activities have resulted in land degradation, destruction of farmlands, fear among residents, and contamination of water sources, especially given the proximity of the affected communities to the Osun River.

The group said the development represents a disturbing shift, as residents now view illegal mining not as a distant upstream problem but as an immediate neighbourhood emergency.

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Urban Alert expressed concern that despite previous assurances by the Federal and Osun State governments on the safety of the Osun River, illegal miners have resurfaced and expanded their operations. It argued that periodic raids are ineffective without sustained surveillance, prosecution of offenders, dismantling of mining networks and removal of equipment and financiers enabling repeated re-entry.

The organisation revealed that it has received multiple distress calls and field reports indicating that residents feel powerless to confront the miners due to fear of intimidation and reprisals. In several accounts, residents alleged that miners often arrive in large numbers, accompanied by aggressive hoodlums, and operate with apparent disregard for local authority.

Urban Alert further expressed alarm over persistent claims by illegal operators that they enjoy backing from influential individuals, including alleged support from traditional institutions. It added that recent satellite imagery shows mining activities dangerously close to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

Describing the situation as an unacceptable escalation, the organisation warned that continued illegal mining around water bodies and residential zones poses serious threats to human safety, cultural heritage and traditional beliefs.

Urban Alert called on the Osun State Government, relevant federal agencies and security institutions to take urgent and decisive action, including sealing off illegal mining sites, removing equipment, arresting and prosecuting operators, and providing transparent public updates on prosecutions.

It also urged the government to conduct an independent environmental assessment of the Osun River corridor around Osogbo and ensure continuous monitoring, with publicly available findings and protection for whistleblowers and threatened residents.

The Urban Alert advised affected communities to document incidents safely, report intimidation through confidential channels, avoid confrontation with armed groups and strengthen community-based reporting mechanisms.