Ogun Community Cries Out Over Quarry-Induced Health Crisis

Residents of Isara Community in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State have appealed to the state government to urgently regulate quarrying activities in the area, citing deplorable road infrastructure, growing health and environmental concerns.

The residents warned that unchecked quarry operations are exposing the community to serious health risks such as asthma, lung-related ailments and skin cancer, while also causing extensive environmental degradation.

The appeal was made by concerned members of the community under the aegis of the Isara Socioeconomic Vanguard in a petition addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Ogun State House of Assembly.

In the petition, the group lamented that despite being the host community, Isara has continued to suffer neglect, intimidation and unfair treatment from quarry operators and their alleged collaborators.

They noted that air pollution, damaged roads and constant movement of heavy-duty trucks have worsened living conditions in the area.

The petition, titled “Petition on indiscriminate sale of land for quarrying purposes and illegal collection of fees that go into private pockets,” was signed by the group’s chairman, Taiwo Bakare, secretary, Mr. Muyiwa Osifade, and 23 other members.

According to the petitioners, quarry operators have failed to comply with provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, particularly the requirement to enter into a Community Development Agreement with the host community.

They warned that continued disregard for environmental and safety regulations could result in rising cases of asthma, lung disease and skin cancer, alongside the destruction of arable land and worsening food insecurity in Remo North.

The group also urged the Ogun State Government to clamp down on families allegedly selling land indiscriminately to investors, including foreign nationals, without due consideration for environmental impact or proper government approval.

They further complained that the road linking Isara to Ago-Iwoye has become severely dilapidated due to heavy truck traffic from quarry sites, making it difficult for farmers to transport produce to markets. As a result, farm produce often spoils before reaching buyers, while transportation costs have skyrocketed.

Among their demands, the community called for an immediate investigation into the operations of quarries in the Peteku and Odo areas of Isara, enforcement of environmental and mining laws, and a halt to illegal fee collection.

They also urged the government to protect the rights, dignity and safety of Isara indigenes and to establish a transparent framework for quarry operations to prevent further abuse and restore peace in the community.

The residents expressed confidence that the petition would receive the urgent attention of the state government.

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